All people long for direction and purpose in life. As Christians, we can ask the Lord to guide us; we do not have to live without purpose. What are some ways God guides us in His will? How should we be listening for His leading?

Get Quiet with God and Examine Your Desires

Hearing God’s guidance begins with our minds and hearts. The Bible reminds us to “be still” (Psalm 46:10) as we listen for His leading, and to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). The Scriptures are full of prayers you can use to ask God to focus on Him, such as: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” (Psalm 139:23). Genuinely seek the Lord and “ask our generous God” (James 1:5) to put your thoughts in line with His desires for you.

Ask Yourself: Would Jesus Think This Way?

It’s easier to hear God when your thoughts are in line with His. Choosing God as the ruler of your thoughts is important. Jesus said, “whatever is in your heart determines what you say” (Matthew 12:34). We must also put God as the ruler of what we say, because “The tongue can speak words that bring life or death” (Proverbs 18:21). Again, we can look to Scripture for prayers that God will guide our words: “Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord” (Psalm 19:14). Seek God’s guidance for what you say; think carefully before you speak, making sure each idea is in line with God’s teaching.

Let God’s Word Guide You

Thinking and speaking God’s word helps us live it out! The Bible promises that you can “seek His will in all you do” (Proverbs 3:6) and depend on Him to guide your paths. As you seek God’s guidance for your actions, pray back to God the requests found in the Psalms: “Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness”; “Teach me Your way, O Lord”; “Teach me to do Your will, my God!” (Psalms 5:8, 86:11, 143:10). God can build up your life so that depending on His leading is second nature!