Devo 5: God My Guide

(I have been asked to write another devotional for our church and thought I'd include it also on this site. Enjoy!)

Nā∙hǎg': God My Guide;
(The One Who Leads Me)

Psalm 48:14
"For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our Guide even to the end."

I have a friend, who I will call “Shannon*,” who sees through the eyes of another. That’s right; Shannon is blind. But she is not impaired; Shannon has an irreplaceable friend, Nina*, a 75lb., 3 year old black lab, who is Shannon’s constant companion. Everywhere Shannon goes, her four-legged guide leads her there. Nina is a steady helper, leader, and friend. Nina may be silent, but she is very present. Without Nina, Shannon would be completely helpless, unable to do those little things in life that we so often take for granted.

We are not much different than my friend Shannon. Our physical eyes may see just fine, but our spiritual eyes are incapable of seeing into the future, into our life’s path, which the Lord has laid out for us. We need a Guide, One who can see His way clearly, and lead us into the plans He has for us.

Jer. 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Who is our Guide? The Hebrew name, Nā∙hǎg', means “God my Guide/The One Who Leads me.” This is the attribute of God that led the people of Israel through the wilderness, providing a cloud by day and fire by night. The Israelites didn’t know where they were going; all they had was the Cloud in front of them, Who knew exactly how to get the people of Israel to the Promised Land. (See Ex. 13:21-22)

There’s something else about Shannon’s and Nina’s friendship that we have to consider. Shannon also has to trust her guide. Nina would not be able to help Shannon “see” her way through life if Shannon didn’t allow Nina to be her “guiding eyes.” It’s the same with us. We have to trust our Guide to lead us through all seasons of life; we have to believe that He knows where He’s going, even if we can’t see our way too well.

Prov. 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.”

Nā∙hǎg' in Scripture:Deut. 4:27, 28:37; Psalms 48:14, 78: 53, 80:1; Isa. 63:14; Lam. 3:2

Closing Prayer

Lord, I know that You can see my way clearly, and that You will lead me in the right path. Help me to trust You. Guide me in the way that pleases You. Amen.

*Not her real name