guidance (noun) - an opinion suggesting a wise or proper course of action; the fact or activity of looking after and making decisions about something
Synonyms: counsel, direction, governance, regulation, stewardship
Antonyms: carelessness, disregard, heedlessness, ignorance, neglectfulness
Guidance is something that we as Christians are told to seek from the Lord in everything we do, but for most of us it's safe to say that's easier said than done. We are stubborn creatures by nature who either like to be in control of our own journey or are paralyzed by fear of failure should we make an "incorrect" decision, both of which cause feelings of inadequacy and doubt when we don't meet our own standards. God longs for us to turn to Him with every choice we face in life, and He absolutely knows what is best for us, but His gift of free will allows us to choose for ourselves if we want to. There's a lot of trust involved here, and even more faith: giving God the metaphorical reins to our lives may not result in immediate satisfaction or comfortable circumstances, but He will be covering us with His love and protection throughout the entire ordeal. God's guidance is truer than any compass made by human hands and will never, ever steer us wrong.
This week's post includes seven songs about guidance along with Scripture references that inspired them and that I was led to with each entry. All Scripture passages are from the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible.
Egypt by Bethel Music & Cory Asbury (written by B. Johnson, C. Asbury, E. Hulse, L. Cummings, P. Wickham)
Featured on Bethel's 2020 live album Revival's In The Air and featuring vocals from worship leader Cory Asbury, this declaration of devotion is so joyful and triumphant it's hard not to get excited while listening to it. Sometimes we can get so caught up in life unfolding right in front of us, but when we remember everything God has delivered us from, it should make us want to shout with joy. He is the ultimate warrior, fighting all of our battles before us even we don't realize it's happening.
I won't forget the wonder of how You brought/Deliverance, the exodus of my heart/‘Cause You found me, You freed me, held back the waters for my release/O Yahweh/You're the God who fights for me, Lord of every victory/Hallelujah, hallelujah/You have torn apart the sea, You have led me through the deep/Hallelujah, hallelujah, oh
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
Every Crown by Bethel Music & kalley (written by C. Davenport, E. Cash, J. Ingram, K. Heiligenthal)
Featured on Bethel's 2019 live album Victory and featuring vocals from worship leader Kalley Heiligenthal, I love how this song discusses the visuals of God guiding us throughout the troubles of life with imagery of His miracles from the Bible. How awesome is it that the King of the universe wants to hold our hand, know us on a personal level, and have us spend eternity with Him? It's crazy to think about, but so simply true at the same time.
I have watched how You drove back the sea that swallowed up my every fear/I have walked from the shore to the deep and through it all, You were there/Mighty Redeemer, strong to deliver/You are the great I Am/We crown You with every crown for the way You saved us/Crown You with every crown for the way You love us/High King of Heaven/We crown You the Lord of all
Isaiah 28:5 Then at last the Lord of Heaven’s armies will himself be Israel’s glorious crown. He will be the pride and joy of the remnant of his people.
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong UNITED (written by J. Houston, M. Crocker, S. Lighthelm)
Featured on UNITED's 2013 album Zion and featuring vocals from worship leader Taya Gaukrodger, this is such a beautiful picture of trusting the Lord's guidance, pulling inspiration from Matthew 14 where Peter walks towards Jesus on the water. No matter how deep our ocean seems or how tall and fierce our waves are, God is right there with us to lead us through as long as we keep our eyes firmly on Him. He knows the way through even when our own eyes can't see.
You call me out upon the waters/The great unknown where feet may fail/And there I find You in the mystery/In oceans deep, my faith will stand/And I will call upon Your Name/And keep my eyes above the waves when oceans rise/My soul will rest in Your embrace/For I am Yours and You are mine
Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
Decided by Kristene DiMarco (written by T. Wood, D. Leonard, K. DiMarco)
Featured on DiMarco's 2022 album The Field, this song is a peaceful show of the faith it takes to follow Jesus without fear. It's scary to take a leap of faith, I myself definitely know that from experience, but the reward is infinitely worth it. It's not our job to plan out the entire route of our lives, it's His.
Lord, give me the strength and the faith to walk through the weight of today/To stand and not try to escape what flows through Your heart/So in the garden, I'd be a good friend, aware of the moment I'm in/And I'd choose it all over again to stay where You are/I have decided to follow Jesus/I have decided that there's no turnin' back/I’ve been invited into communion/I have decided that there's no turnin' back
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.”
May God Be Everywhere I Go by Mosaic MSC (written by M. Maher, M. McManus, A. Figueroa)
Featured on Mosaic's 2016 live album Glory & Wonder and featuring vocals from worship leader Mariah Goss, this song shows how beautiful it is to walk hand in hand, step by step with the Lord. If we listen, we will hear His voice; if we search, we will always find Him; if we tune our hearts to His, He will never lead us astray. He is always with us, through the thick and the thin.
I've come alive in the strength of Heaven/Eyes are open wide in the light of the sun/I’ve come alive in Your grace and mercy/Darkness fades away until there is none/Your light to guide me, Your hands to hold me/Your presence when I'm alone/Your heart is beating forever with me/Your voice will call me home/May God be everywhere I go
Isaiah 30:21 Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.
Sweep Me Away by Passion Band (written by C. Hall, K. Combes, T. Cromwell, W. Hunt, B. Bergman)
Featured on Passion's 2002 live album Passion: Our Love Is Loud and featuring vocals from worship leader Charlie Hall, this simple anthem has been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager. Even though we may "suddenly" feel Jesus taking our hand and leading us on our way, the truth is He's never let go of us since the moment of our salvation. We just have to focus our hearts on Him, and we will always feel Him near to us.
Suddenly, I feel You holding me/Suddenly, I feel You holding me/Suddenly, I feel You holding me/Suddenly, I feel You holding me/Sweep me away/Sweep me away/Sweep me away/Sweep me away
Psalm 63:8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
The Lord Our God by Passion ft. Kristian Stanfill (written by J. Ingram, K. Stanfill)
Featured on Passion's 2013 album Let the Future Begin and featuring vocals from worship leader Kristian Stanfill, this song is a steady, solid reminder of God's faithfulness and how we can trust His guidance implicitly. He has never broken a promise (nor will He ever), He is water in the desert of our tribulations, and He is the brightest light in the darkest of night. We as His children are so blessed to have a leader and Father like Him by our sides.
Promise maker, promise keeper/You finish what You begin/Our provision through the desert/You see it through 'til the end/You see it through 'til the end/The Lord our God is ever faithful/Never changing through the ages/From this darkness, You will lead us/And forever we will say You're the Lord our God
Nehemiah 9:12 You led our ancestors by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night so that they could find their way.
I hope these songs and scriptures blessed you like they blessed me as I meditated on them. Happy listening, and see ya'll next week!
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