Getting More Help From God

I’ve often wondered to what degree the Lord will direct our steps. I’ve felt guidance on specific spiritual matters. But on matters of a secular nature, I’ve often felt alone. Is this to be expected? Do you have any thoughts on the matter?

Q. I’ve often wondered to what degree the Lord will direct our steps. I’ve felt guidance on specific spiritual matters. But on matters of a
secular nature, I’ve often felt alone.

When making important secular decisions, I try to look for similar situations in Scripture and take into account Biblical principles. Some decisions, though not necessarily vital to our spiritual condition can have major ramifications to our well being or the well being of our families. I
can recall decisions I’ve made in the past where I’ve prayerfully considered a course of action and started down that path only to find out that things did not work out as well as expected (though I’ve learned things from going through that situation).

There have also been occasions where we as a family were faced with an important secular decision and did not know what to do. We pleaded for God’s help and did receive what we believed was direct guidance on the matter. I would say that this is not normative to our experience. Is this to be expected? Do you have any thoughts on the matter?

A. From God’s perspective there is no secular life for a believer because by definition secular excludes Him. How can He be Lord of a life He’s not part of?

If you want better advice from Him on matters of life, first apply Matt. 6:33, seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness and letting Him take care of your needs, and then follow up with Romans 12:1-2 and give your life completely to Him to do with as He pleases. As James 4:8 promises, when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. If you do these things, my guess is that you’ll get all the direction you can use.