I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you (Psalm 32:8-9).

The Bible encourages us to set goals, but if we attempt to better ourselves without seeking God’s instruction, we forfeit the peace he intends and the accomplishments he enables.

When I was soon to graduate college, I had my eye on goals whose sole purpose was my wealth and others’ approval – my glory. I was a believer, and knew these could not be God’s only goals, but I wasn’t sure of my alternatives.

Only when a spiritual father counseled me to deepen my study of Scripture did I re-discover the beauty and fulfillment of seeking God’s glory above my own. The path was long, but in its steps I found the career, the family, and the purpose God had in view long before I saw the blessings.

God’s eye of blessing and protection is on us whenever we seek his counsel rather than stubbornly holding to wayward paths of worldly priorities. The path of a gracious God is always best. When we are questioning our course, it’s always better to be God-led rather than mule-headed.

Prayer:
Lord, keep me trusting your path to goals that you have graciously prepared. On your path are blessings long apparent to your eye. When your eye is on me and I am on your path, then your best for me is ahead of me.