Several years ago, I was on the phone with my daughter discussing a decision she was contemplating.  As she went back and forth with it, and I heard myself say, “Just play it by ear.”  Immediately, I realized what a lame response that was.  Not only did it show a lack of caring anc concern for her situation, but it didn’t convey what I really believe about decision making.  The Cambridge dictionary defines “play it by ear” this way: “To decide what to do when you know what is happening, rather than planning it in advance”.  While there’s nothing wrong with being flexible and open to changes in course, I don’t believe we are meant to base our decisions solely on circumstances and our feelings about them.  What I do believe, is that we are to trust in God and look to him for direction.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

How does he direct our paths?  First, we come to know Him, through faith. Then we communicate with Him through a regular rhythm of listening to His word (reading the bible), and praying (a two-way conversation with God).  God speaks to us through his word.  Sometimes it’s clear in a literal sense (e.g. thou shalt not steal), and other times, the guidance is less clear.  This is where our relationship comes in.  When we trust in Jesus, He gives us His Spirit to live within us.  The Spirit, counsels and guides us so we can have a strong sense of knowing, a still small voice within us, that tells us what we are to do.  We also become part of God’s family along with His Church.  When the guidance we hear doesn’t make sense according to our own understanding of what’s rational, practical, our Church community can help us discern and confirm God’s will.  Then it’s up to us to trust and obey.  When we step forward according to his guidance, the path ahead is revealed further.  Often, we receive understanding AFTER we obey, instead of obeying AFTER we receive understanding.  This is faith…trusting in the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength!  Trying to get there by interpreting our circumstances alone will leave us confused, frustrated and lost.

I knew better than to just say “play it by ear”.  The truth is that God promises to lead us on the course of our lives if we seek him.Play it by prayer, is what I believe.  I believe it because I have read it in God’s Word and seen it in my life.  God confirmed that what I heard that day was his voice, “Play it by prayer.”  I thought, maybe He wants me to I’ll write a book!  Maybe He still does. And God has shown me that “Play it by Prayer” isn’t just about what I write.  It’s about me making prayer a way of life.  I’m still learning to trust God with my daily decisions.  God sees the bigger picture and may call me to do things that aren’t on my agenda.  If I turn to God, and follow his leading, I get to move closer to him and to see his power at work. Sometimes it’s not just the path itself that he’s calling me to, but the choosing.  Whose will do I seek – mine or God’s?

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

PRAY: 

Lord help me to pray more, listen more, watch more, obey more, love more!

Show me your will for my life, my work, my relationships…one day at a time.

Help me wait patiently for your guidance, and obey quickly when I receive it!