Bread for the JourneySample

Advice from Jesus

Many times, we beg the Lord to speak to us, to give us direction, because we want to hear Him. When we don't receive the answers to those prayers, we resent the fact that God hasn't spoken to us as we expected. But nothing could be further from the truth, because God has left us His counsel for our lives in His Word. Everything we need to go through life day by day, enjoying His guidance, is right there.

I want to share with you some advice from Jesus that will shed light on the path and help us live under His direction.

One of those pieces of advice is not to worry. “So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31-34, NIV)

This is a relevant word for all times. Because one of the things that is most repeated in our lives is that tendency to worry and fret about both big and small things. Wanting to be in control of everything, as well as the feeling of powerlessness caused by not knowing what is coming and not being able to deal with what worries us, are things that rush in on us to frighten away our peace.

Then we hear Jesus tell us: "Do not worry about your life." If we read the complete passage, we realize that Jesus is shifting our gaze from earthly worries to what is first: the kingdom of God. The glorious thing is that He doesn't disregard our needs.

He knows, and He helps us, provides for us, and takes care of us, not only supplying our physical needs but also the most important ones, which are spiritual. Things like peace, faith, hope, strength, encouragement, comfort, and everything our soul needs to live in peace and endure the evil day.

Jesus also tells us to remain in His words, because they are truth and life. Knowing and obeying His words is a guarantee of continuous heavenly guidance for our lives. He is the true light, so by having Him, our path is lit, and we can rest in the knowledge that He knows and has everything under control.

One of the greatest and most precious blessings that we, the children of God, have is that Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit. Let's listen to His promise: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26, NIV) In the Word of God, we have invaluable treasures of wisdom that, if we seek them out and discover them, will be a continuous source of direction and wise counsel from God for us.

When we think again that God doesn't speak to us, let's remove that thought from our minds, because nothing could be further from the truth. He is in continuous conversation with His children through His Word. How blessed we are to have it and to enjoy the freedom to go to it with the certainty that God is going to speak to us!