Wednesdays Word.....Guidance

Guidance....we all need it (some of us every day) but where do we look to find it? I think that's where most of us hit a stumbling block and struggle on where to turn to when we need help. We probably have more issues on who or where to seek answers from even more so than what we are needing the help with. Add these things together and chances are we will close ourselves off from the very help we need because of the anxiety we self create surrounding the situation. Especially considering most people turn to the Internet and Facebook for their guidance.

Earlier this summer our pastor did a sermon series on the Holy Spirit based on Francis Chan's book called Forgotten God. I had the opportunity to help teach a bible study in correlation to this book and am now leading the same study for our church core group. I really enjoy Chan's insight and writing style so this has been enjoyable for me. I've learned a lot about the misunderstood (hence forgotten) part of the trinity. I grew up going to a Catholic church so I mentioned the Holy Spirit every time I did the sign of the cross when I genuflected getting into the pew but I had no concept of scope of the spirit. 

Some people would consider the Holy Spirit the guide on our walk with Christ. Others would say It's basically our conscience but most truly have no idea or just a vague understanding of the power of the Holy Spirit. Most would agree that the Holy Spirit allows us to communicate with God but we usually struggle in listening and/or understanding what God is trying to tell us. This can be difficult when we are looking for guidance in our life. 

After going through this Forgotten God study I remembered I had picked up a book after a youth conference called 99 Thoughts on Hearing God's Call: Learning to Listen and Respond to God's Voice. In my spare time I help with our church's high school youth group on Sunday nights and work with the middle schoolers on Wednesdays. These ages are a tough time in a young person's life regardless but when you mix in trying to lead a Christian lifestyle and trying to figure out God's plan for your life it can be over whelming. I had the thought of using this book to help our youth try to sort some things out by reading through this book and adding their thoughts to this cute puppy dog journal (I figured no one would steal it) and when they are done I have them initial the cover of the book and we pass it along. My hope is for this book and journal to make it through our youth group by the end of the the school year and that it helps them understand how to better listen to the Holy Spirit but more importantly I pray that they respond. So please check back next year for the follow up blog post to this experiment.

There's a song that's been stuck in my heard/heart lately called Help Me Find It. I've had the opportunity to see the Side Walk Prophets several times over the years and most recently while on a date with my wife and we got to hear them perform their latest hit Help Me Find It. I have genuinely enjoyed all of their music but this song has really stuck with me. I have even said I wish I had half the vocal chops of Dave Frey their lead signer. If you haven't heard any of their songs before just give a listen to the video and be sure to pay attention to the lyrics. 

"Help Me Find It"

I don’t know where to go from here
It all used to seem so clear
I’m finding I can’t do this on my own

I don’t know where to go from here
As long as I know that You are near
I’m done fighting
I’m finally letting go

I will trust in You
You’ve never failed before
I will trust in You

[Chorus:]
If there’s a road I should walk
Help me find it
If I need to be still
Give me peace for the moment
Whatever Your will
Whatever Your will
Can you help me find it
Can you help me find it

I’m giving You fear and You give faith
I giving you doubt
You give me grace
For every step I’ve never been alone

Even when it hurts, You’ll have Your way
Even in the valley I will say
With every breath
You’ve never let me go

I will wait for You
You’ve never failed before
I will wait for You

[Chorus]

I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again)
Have Your way my King (I give my all to You)
I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see)
‘Cause You are all I need