1. The Bible.

According to the psalmist, what is life’s Guidebook?

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
—Psalm 119:105.

What does Paul tell us we should learn from the life experiences of Bible characters?

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.”
—1 Corinthians 10:11.

God’s Word renews our minds and gives us insight (Romans 12:2, Psalms 119:99). Instead of just plopping your finger down on a random text to catch some guidance, try to absorb the mind of God—by studying and meditating on many texts, the whole of God’s Word. A regular time of prayerful study in Scripture is the best way to get our priorities straight.

2. Providential circumstances.

God also guides us by divinely-directed circumstances. Psalm 23 pictures Him as the Good Shepherd. A shepherd leads his sheep through lush valleys as well as through rocky ravines. He is capable of helping his charges benefit from and learn from every experience. We have a Shepherd who sticks close by our side.

3. Direct communication of God to the heart.

God also guides us by speaking to our conscience. Paul affirmed that believers receive God’s guidance through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:10). He proclaimed to the believer that the Spirit can enlighten the “eyes of your heart” (Ephesians 1:18). In a later DISCOVER guide on the subject of prayer we will find that prayer enables us to talk directly with God. The more consistently we practice communicating with God, the more He is able to guide us. He molds both our inner impressions and our reasoning and judgment so we can see clearly the next step we need to take.