Commands

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” —Psalm 32:8-9

Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle…

Last year our family added a dog to the household. Her name is Dixie. She is a smart, beautiful, and playful creature. She listens to my commands about 80% of the time. Come. Stay. Sit. Down. Shake. Speak. She does them all—most of the time. 

My most common command is “Come.” Almost anything can grab her attention and distract her from me; but if I say the word, she will return—most of the time. Because it is only most of the time and not all of the time, I have to keep a leash. Sometimes chasing a squirrel, no matter the surrounding danger, is just too tempting. When her dog urges take over, I have to use the leash to keep her by my side. 

Do you see the analogy? The Almighty made humans the crown of creation. We are way more important to Him than a pet. He loves us immensely. He longs for us to walk with him, but sometimes we require a leash because we just can’t keep from chasing the squirrels. 

I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

We can listen to the commands of our Heavenly Father, and willingly follow, or He may have to pull out the leash, but either way his direction is the best path for us. If we pay attention to Scripture there are some common commands He lovingly offers.

Go. He may commands us to go where we would not choose without his leading—like when Joseph was told to go to Egypt with Mary and the toddler Jesus. At other times, He points us to go exactly where our heart desires. When David was a young adult God directed him to go live in King Saul’s palace. How exciting! Jesus’ final command was “Go and make disciples.” The command to go is frequent. Let’s not be surprised when we hear it.

Be still. God speaking through the Psalmist said, “Be still and know that I am God.” He told Elijah to be still under the Broom Tree and be refreshed. He told Paul and Silas to be still in prison and see the power of God. Being still can be the hardest command. Our world is full of stimuli that beckons us to do something. It tricks us into thinking that being still to know God is a waste of time. 

Come. God told Noah to come into the ark and be spared from the flood. He also told him when to come out and get on with life. It was Philip who asked Nathaniel to come meet Jesus and it was the angel who told the ladies to come and inspect the empty tomb. When God calls us to come, hang on. He is getting ready to show us something important. He promised if we come to him, He will come to us. 

Follow. It is no mistake that those who walk with Jesus are called Followers. Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” In another place he said, “Take up your cross and follow me.” The command to follow is the call to obey. It is the mandate to put into action what we have learned from our Savior. 

What command is God giving you? Are you listening? If you are having a hard time hearing God’s voice, read this. Hopefully it can help. 

Listening and obeying the Lord. It is not always easy, but it is the best path for our lives. 

Here is song to bring encouragement. Enjoy. —How He Loves by David Crowder