“Look for a star of guidance in your own life, and be willing to follow wherever I lead. I am the Light from on high that draws upon you, to guide your feet into the way of Peace.”
This excerpt from my daily devotional, Jesus Calling, by author and missionary Sarah Young, made me stop and think. Yes, we all know about that bright star that led the wise men to the stable on Christmas night, And, many would readily admit that God is their Guiding Star.
But would we really follow wherever He leads…and trust implicity in His plan for us?
Easier said than done.
In his book Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters, Timothy Keller discusses the many idols in our culture, both obvious and subtle, that distract us from God. His simple statement, “We become like what we worship“, provokes me to take inventory of my personal solar system.
God is clearly my North Star…but perhaps some telescoping of the other constellations orbiting around me is in order. How many of them point to Him? And how often am I temporarily blinded by those that may shine the brightest – but are not necessarily God-centered?
Throughout my life, there have been times when my compass has been a bit “off”. Thankfully, God has brought me to a place where I can (most of the time) look in His direction – and more importantly, be confident that He accompanies me at every turn.
The way of Peace is only attained through God and with God. What a miracle it is that He is infinitely available for us.
This Christmas,welcome Him as your most reliable beacon and guidepost. Thank Him for His tremendous sacrifices on your behalf. Embrace the loved ones in your lives.
Replace deceptions with truth. See His presence in all things.
And a final wish, borrowing from that beloved Christmas poem…
Merry Christmas to all…and to all, The True Light!
“Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us and visit [us], To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace.” ~Luke 1:78-79 (Amplified Bible)
Really good stuff Toni!! God is gifting you with much wisdom and a wonderful skill for sharing it with us. I really enjoyed today’s encouragement!!
Replace deception with truth. Amen. And what a job that seems for me…a subtle one, and sometimes not subtle at all.
When i am not seeing Christ in all things, my thinking gets fuzzy and worse.
Thank you Toni!