How On Earth Do We Know The Will Of God For Our Lives??

Lately I have been deeply concerned as to whether or not I am walking in the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. How do we know this? How can we figure it out? In my own life, and subsequently, what I am offering here at Life In The Closet With Jesus, I like to keep it simple. I am NOT a theologian. I am NOT here to offer up new philosophies or ways of living. I am just here to know who Jesus is, and therefore know who I am in Him, and share that with you. Over the past few years, in various quiet times, or formal group Bible studies, or just thumbing through the pages looking for something that would catch my eye, I have seen Scriptures that say, "This is the will of God". And I always think, "Let me write that down where I never lose it!! That could be good information for right living!! I hope I remember that!!" So I am certain that I have various index cards with these verses scribbled on them. And I probably have 27 notebooks with these verses scripted elegantly throughout the pages. But I didn't have any of this available these past few days as I have contemplated and prayed about this. That said, I did a quick search of verses that contain the words "will of God", and I came up with a lot of good material.

I easily came up with 15 verses, listed them, and then wrote each one out fully in the back of a notebook that was lying on my office floor. FYI: if you find a used notebook, but wish it were a new notebook, turn it upside down and backward and pretend that it is a fresh notebook. I spent over an hour, copying the verses into my journal; I am a professional student, so I learn by writing it down and studying it that way. After I got the verses written neatly, I highlighted words and concepts that stood out to me, and then a few thoughts crystallized for me. The Will of God is that we believe in Jesus unto salvation, steep ourselves in the Word of God, and behave accordingly, then walk humbly with Him into eternity. This is the "keeping it simple" version, but perfectly steeped in Scripture. There is certainly a lengthy dissertation on the topic, maybe forthcoming. But for today, I know enough of the Will of God for my life to get me to the next study on the topic.

"What does this have to do with me?", you must be asking. If you have clicked on this post, or if you know me and want to take a look at my new website, you are, like me, wondering about the Will of God. And now that you have a tiny, crystallized thought nugget, you can pray about it, seek the Lord about it, and search it out more deeply for yourself. I highly recommend a bit of time in the Closet with this one. Inquire of the Lord: Lord, what do I need to know about Your will in my life today? And what do I need to know about Your will in my life for my whole life? Take your Bible, and a notebook (either new or used) and settle down with Him for a bit. When you pray, asking Our Heavenly Father about anything, you have to give Him a minute, or an hour, or a week. But He will answer. He always answers. We just need to practice our listening skills. So ask Him and listen for His answer. The answer may come in the form of a picture or image in your mind, or it may come through in the words of a song, or it may come directly out of Scripture, or you may hear Him whisper into your right ear (I sometimes do). But whatever you do, keep seeking to know His will and do His will in your life. This is another one of those situations that I like to go on and on about-- The Lord keeps His promises. All the promises, all the time. And if you seek Him, you will find Him when you seek Him with all of your Heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

I invite you to pray this with me now:

Dear Heavenly Father, please show me Your will for my life. Reveal Your will to me so that I know who You are, and I know who I am made to be through my life with Jesus. I want to walk with You and know You, and have a great life through relationship with Jesus. Thank You Father that You hear me when I pray, and that I can come boldly before Your throne of Grace to find mercy in time of need. You are a Good Good Father. I look forward to talking with You about this again, so that I can build a life with You. In Jesus' name, Amen!