I am often asked to give advice or guidance in life. I have learned over the years that many do not really seek advice or guidance as much as they want someone to validate what they wish to do or are already doing. Too often we seek guidance after we have lost our way due to poor judgment, bad habits, pursuit of selfish desires or seeking to follow and satisfy our own ego. By the way I found a great way to define ego. It means we Edge God Out. Following and satisfying ego leads to pushing God’s direction, agenda and guidance aside as self is placed first.
When one meditates on the word guidance, one can see ‘dance’ at the end of the word. I once read that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing. When we follow His lead and flow with the Holy Spirit life becomes more like a flowing dance with rhythm and meaning. As we see on the popular TV show, ‘Dancing With the Stars’, following the complete direction and lead of a professional dancer can make almost anyone look better on the dance floor. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn’t flow with the music and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person relaxes and lets the other lead, both parties begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly on one direction or another. It’s as if the two become one body, moving beautifully with rhythm and grace. The well performed dance takes surrender, willingness and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. Look back at the word guidance. When one sees a big ‘G’ as the beginning it is easy to think of God, followed by ‘u’ and ‘i’. Forming a short sentence with this observation results in the following; God, u & I dance. God, you and I dance. This short sentence summarizes what real guidance in life can mean.
Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23 “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” The Message translates this statement from Jesus as follows; “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how.”
So as we seek to meander through this adventure of life let us learn to let the expert lead. God created all things, including you. He has a master plan and design for all things, including you. He has a harmonious rhythm for life when we follow Him. Hence, let us lower our head, place our hand in His and let Him lead as we enjoy the dance.
