First thank you for your website and your wisdom, which is why I write. I have been mulling over some personal issues in my life and I’ve been praying for guidance and wisdom but I don’t seem to find the answers I’m looking for. Is there any advice you can give me as to how I can listen for God’s counsel in these matters? I’m trying to avoid my own meddling and instead allow HIS grace to guide me, but I worry I’m unsuccessful. I appreciate your advice on this matter and look forward to your response.
Whenever I’ve faced a situation where I don’t want my desires to drown out the voice of the Lord, I’ve prayed something like this. “Lord, I don’t trust my own judgment in this matter so please make your will unmistakably clear to me. I’m not going to take any action until I’m sure it’s what you want. Please let there be no doubt in my mind as to your will for me.”
Then I’ve stopped and waited. Every time I’ve done this, the Lord has shown me the direction He desires for me to take, and given me the confidence to obey. I’ve learned that the Lord’s timing is always perfect. We don’t save any time by getting ahead of Him and we don’t waste any time by waiting until we’re sure we’ve heard from Him. Psalm 37:7 says “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”