Check out social media and chances are you will chance upon an account maintained by a Life Coach. The popularity of life coaches has been steadily increasing since 2019 with now about 100,000 practitioners worldwide. These professionals are said to provide guidance to people needing help and direction in different areas in life such as relationships, career, finances, and day-to-day life among other concerns.
And while they are not therapists who can treat mental health conditions, life coaches are touted for aiding people with high stress levels, lack of fulfillment, anxiety, behavioral problems, dissatisfaction at work among other professional and social issues. In the United States, the cost per one-hour coaching session hovers around $90.
But do we really need to undergo regular life coaching and pay this much just to have direction in our lives? As followers of Jesus, we already have a bottomless source of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration that we will need throughout life. We just have to tap into that resource.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
Time and again, the scriptures assure us that God will not think twice about providing guidance if we will earnestly seek it from the Lord. Both the New and Old Testament have been very consistent in saying that. Let’s look at this passage from the Letter of St. James:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5
In the Old Testament, popular bible characters like Joshua who led the Israelites to the Promised Land, and King Solomon who built the First Temple, were both assured that if they keep God’s word and commands, they will prosper in everything that they do:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8
When we intentionally study God’s word, meditate on it, and live our life based on it, we will be guided with how we are to conduct ourselves everyday. We will know that choosing decisions that honor God, will be the foundation of a good life not just for us but even for our children. And this is a promise that we can claim as children of God. Chapter two of the Book of Proverbs details this promise to us:
“Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:3-5
The above Proverbs passage was written by King Solomon. He is known for being full of wisdom, as this was the gift he asked from the Lord back when He was a younger king. Just like what he wrote in the passage, Solomon received assurance from the Lord that he will receive wisdom because he earnestly sought it.
“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.” 1 Kings 3:10-13
And so in the scripture that he wrote, Solomon underscored that the wisdom from God protects, preserves, and guides those who remain faithful to the Lord:
“He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” Proverbs 2:7-10
So how do we get guidance and direction from the bible? Well, we read it intentionally and reflect on it. If we haven’t started the habit of reading the bible, we can begin by getting a physical bible devotional or downloading an app that will help jumpstart our daily reflection. We can also choose a bible reading plan online and follow it everyday. We can also choose one book from the bible and read one chapter daily. The Gospel of John is one of the best places to start, and so is the Letter of St. James. What is important is we get our hands on God’s word, and ask ourselves how we could apply it in our lives.
And although the guidance may not be revealed to us in the day one of our bible reading quest, we will realize that day after day, our knowledge about God’s character, and God’s teachings will build up. This in turn will guide us with our day-to-day decisions.
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21
The bible never promised a one-time guidance and direction for our life. Instead, it provides a daily source of wisdom and inspiration that we can tap on each day. Whether it is a life changing decision, or a random day-to-day choice, God is more than willing to hold our hands through it if we will only let Him.
And so we should reach out to our Bibles first thing before our day gets all frazzled up. Before we get immersed in social media drama, and before the daily grind gets us rushing and breathless. We then follow up our bible reading with sincere prayers of praise, thanksgiving, and requests for guidance and help. Let us feed our souls with what is truly essential, and receive that real life coaching that will lead us to the abundant life He longs for us to live.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Proverbs Chapter 2 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Where do you seek wisdom, guidance and direction for your life?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for your words that guide and inspire me. Give me the grace of discerning your will, and the courage to choose what pleases and honor you. Allow me to remain faithful to you and your words my Lord. Amen.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
