God Will Guide Us

Geoffrey Chaucer wrote, “Time and tide wait for no man.” highlighting how the natural phenomenon of the rising and falling of the ocean, which, like time, cannot be controlled by man, In fact, it is the movement of time in our lives which demonstrates we serve an eternal God.

He stepped out of the car and into his new life. First, he found an apartment, and then he applied for utilities, including power, water, and internet. Now he is officially “adulting.” His name is officially on so many accounts, proving to the world that he is ready. In the span of just a few days, he has gone from student and son to apprentice and the sole person responsible. His momma’s heart wanted to scream, “Not yet!” Yet time marches on, and moms can’t stop it. Our kids grow up and learn to be adults. The challenge arises when we still view them as our young children, who need us to protect, guide, feed, and nurture.

Heading into the future.

During times of transition, Isaiah 58:11 is a fountain overflowing with encouragement.

And the Lord will guide you continually

and satisfy your desire in scorched places

and make your bones strong;

and you shall be like a watered garden,

like a spring of water,

whose waters do not fail.

Isaiah 58:11

The first line gives us hope and peace. Adonai Eli Moreh is the Hebrew name of “The Lord will guide you.” God will guide us and our families. Our Lord and Master will direct us. As we face many changes in our lives, we can trust in Adonai to order our steps.

God will guide us continually. This term means regularly^, without ending or ceasing. God is our guide in both darkness and light. The end of verse 10 is, “then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” This reminds us that God guides us in both times of trial and times of celebration. As our children celebrate times of success and accomplishment, such as graduation, we know God will walk with them into the unknown future of life on their own.

He reminds us of the facts of our faith:

1.         He is Adonai, Our Lord and Master. He loves us with an unconditional, unchanging, never-ending love. We haven’t done anything to earn it. It was an act of love to send His Son to pay the price for our sins. We can reflect God’s unending love onto our children by listening to their concerns and walking beside them through these “adult” choices.

2.         He is guiding us. When David cries out in Psalm 139, “For you created my inmost being,” it reveals that God knows literally everything about his creation. Matched with Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, we see God has a plan for us. As we send our kids out into the world, we can pray for them to step into His plan for them. My testimony of God’s all-knowing plan is about teaching. The journey began with middle school, then progressed to high school science, followed by finance, and now includes Bible studies. This was not a path I saw myself on but it is genuinely my sweet spot.

3.         He is always with us. When we are far from home, God doesn’t lose, forget, or reject us. He continually guides, encourages, corrects, and teaches us. He loves us and never tires of guiding, helping, and teaching us.

As we learned previously, this Scripture's meaning is full of God's names:

·      Adonai means lord and master. This term reminds us that He is our King of Kings and Lord of lords. We are to honor Him as King. It also reminds us to show reverence and follow one step behind Him so we can see where He is going. I often step out ahead of God and His plans.

·      Eli means my God. This term reminds us He is Jehovah. “I am Who I am.” The self-sufficient One who has never been created, and He is eternal. He will never end. How encouraging to know He is never changing, never ending, love.

·      Moreh means guide or teacher. The disciples called Jesus “rabbi.” Rabbi is a formal position of authority. "Moreh" is more akin to a guide or teacher, typically found in a school setting, rather than a spiritual expert.

As we pray for our kids, whether they are home or starting to live on their own, let’s ask Adonai to guide them continually. Cling to the statement “God will guide them.” It is a sure foundation to help you stop worrying.

God will guide them is also a promise. He loves them with His eternal, never-changing, overwhelming love. The same God loves you and knows your heart. Remind yourself that you and your kids aren’t alone or forgotten.

Let's pray:

Adonai, guide us and our children. Lord, watch over them and bring Christian friends into their lives. Keep them safely in Your hand. Remind me that You love them even more than I do. God, please continually guide them to make good choices and turn to You, and not the world. Amen.