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Author: Mike Shaughnessy, from the Servants of the Word, an international, ecumenical brotherhood of men living single for the Lord.

Personal Guidance

Now Lord you will let your servant go in peace (Luke 2:29)

There are many ways for the Lord to reveal his will on personal issues.

That means we need to put off the mindset of this age in which we live. We must not conform to the society around us. Instead we must have a Christian worldview.

Often God deigns to “speak” to us, to reveal his will to us spiritually. Joseph knew what to do about Mary’s unexpected pregnancy through a dream, Peter had a vision that opened the early church to accepting Gentiles, and Paul’s conversion was through hearing a voice speak to him.

More often we have Elijah experiences, hearing God in a still, small voice. We may have a scripture that speaks to us or our situation, or just a knowing sense.

God also uses circumstances to guide us: a closed or open door often helps us find the right job or course of study.

Knowing the peace of God is similar. Simeon proclaimed, “Now Lord you will let your servant go in peace” once he saw the Messiah, whom God promised to reveal to him. There is a peace that God brings when we know his will (Luke 2:29). This is often simply the peace of being certain.

But what about when you don’t know? God has even that covered. We can make the wrong decision and trust that God will somehow get us onto the right path. Indeed, that kind of faith in God is the foundation of all discernment.

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.