November 18th, 2025
by Matthew Spoon
by Matthew Spoon
Finding Your Way: Three Directives for Walking in God's Will
Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, desperately wanting to know which path God wants you to take? Should you accept that job offer? Move to a new city? Make that difficult decision that's been weighing on your heart? We've all been there—standing at life's intersections, hoping for a divine GPS to guide us forward.
The beautiful truth is that God hasn't left us to wander aimlessly. While He may not always spell out every specific detail of our future, He has given us clear directives that can keep us firmly planted in His will. These aren't complicated formulas or mystical secrets—they're practical, biblical principles that can transform how we navigate life's decisions.
Be Governed by God's Peace
Imagine a referee in a game—not there to play, but to ensure everything stays within the rules. That's the role God's peace should play in our lives. Colossians 3:15 tells us to "let the peace of God rule in your hearts." That word "rule" in the original Greek was actually used for judges and referees in athletic competitions. God's peace is meant to be an umpire in our hearts, calling the plays and helping us stay on course.
Here's the reality: before we came to Christ, we were at war with God. But when we surrendered to Jesus, He gave us His peace—a peace that transcends understanding, a peace that can weather any storm. Yet sometimes we lose that peace, don't we? We find ourselves anxious, restless, unable to sleep at night because something just doesn't feel right.
That unsettled feeling might be more than just indigestion from a bad burrito—it could be the Holy Spirit's gentle conviction, letting you know you're veering off course. When we live carnally, following our flesh instead of God's Spirit, peace evaporates. We chase after worldly desires, make decisions based on instant gratification, and then wonder why we feel so empty inside.
The Bible gives us a clear picture of what happens when we walk in the flesh versus walking in the Spirit. Galatians 5 contrasts the works of the flesh—things like hatred, jealousy, selfish ambition, and division—with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Notice that peace is right there in the list. When you're living according to God's Spirit, peace naturally follows.
So how do we maintain God's peace? Start by asking yourself: "Do I want God's will in this situation?" Then consider: "Is this decision eternally gratifying, or just instantly gratifying?" Our culture screams for immediate satisfaction—fast shipping, quick loans, instant results. But as followers of Christ, we need to think in terms of eternity. Picture yourself standing before Jesus one day. Are you happy with this decision? Will it bring you joy for eternity, or just temporary pleasure?
Finally, ask: "Will this path lead to abiding rest in God's peace?" If you can't answer yes with confidence, that might be your answer right there.
Be Grounded in God's Word
Peace is important, but feelings can be subjective. That's why we need something objective—something unchanging that can't be manipulated by our emotions or circumstances. We need the Word of God.
Colossians 3:16 instructs us to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." Notice that word "dwell." It doesn't say visit occasionally or check in like a hotel guest. It means to settle down, to make a home, to be so saturated with Scripture that it overflows from your life.
Think about it this way: when you bump into something, whatever's inside spills out. If you're filled to the brim with God's Word, that's what will pour out when life gets hard. When that difficult person crosses your path, when that crisis hits, when that temptation comes—Scripture should overflow naturally.
Not every specific decision you'll ever make is spelled out in the Bible. You won't find a verse that tells you which car to buy or whether to take that promotion. But here's what you will find: everything that IS in the Bible IS God's will for your life. And the principles, precepts, and patterns woven throughout Scripture give you a framework for making wise decisions.
Here's a question that could revolutionize your decision-making: "Is this wise?" It's simple, but it's powerful. So many Christians search for loopholes or try to justify questionable choices, when they could simply ask themselves, "Is this wise?" You don't need a theology degree to answer that question honestly.
God's Word isn't a puzzle box or a mystical code. It's straightforward. It's accessible. It's meant to be read, studied, meditated on, and—most importantly—obeyed. One of the best ways to internalize Scripture is to act on it immediately. When you read something you can apply right now, close the Bible and do it. Need to apologize to someone? Make the call. Need to forgive? Release that grudge. Obedience cements God's Word in your heart like nothing else.
Be Galvanized in God's Praise
When metal is galvanized, it's strengthened by coating it with zinc. Similarly, praise music galvanizes our faith—it's an external stimulus that reinvigorates and fortifies us spiritually.
Colossians 3:16 continues by telling us to teach and admonish one another "in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." This isn't just about enjoying good music—it's about corporate worship that strengthens the entire body of Christ.
When we gather together to sing, something powerful happens. We're not just listening to a performance; we're participating in worship. We're testifying to God's goodness, declaring His truth, and encouraging one another. There's something profoundly convicting about watching someone worship wholeheartedly—it communicates that their faith is real, that Jesus matters to them.
And here's a beautiful bonus: those songs stick with you. You might not remember every point from a teaching, but you'll find yourself humming that worship song days later. Those lyrics—often taken straight from Scripture—become the soundtrack of your week, reminding you of God's faithfulness when you need it most.
Think of the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul," written by a man who had lost everything. How can someone sing those words in the midst of tragedy? Only through the supernatural peace that Jesus provides. That's the power of worship—it anchors us to eternal truth when temporary circumstances try to shake us.
Be Glorifying to God's Son
Here's the catch-all principle: "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17).
Simply ask yourself: "Will this bring glory to God?" That's your highest calling—not to build your own kingdom, but to magnify His. Not to make a name for yourself, but to honor His name.
Saint Augustine captured this beautifully when he said, "Love God and do what you will." He didn't mean love God and then do whatever sinful thing you want. He meant that if you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, then obeying Him becomes natural. As Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments."
Walking in the Light
These three directives—being governed by God's peace, grounded in God's Word, and galvanized in God's praise—work together to keep us in God's will. They're not complicated, but they do require intentionality. They demand that we submit our feelings to Scripture, our desires to His glory, and our plans to His purposes.
The most important decision you'll ever make is whether to surrender your life to Jesus Christ. That's God's primary will for everyone—that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Everything else flows from that foundational choice.
If you've already made that decision, then walk forward with confidence. Let God's peace guide you. Let His Word ground you. Let worship strengthen you. And in everything, seek to glorify Him.
The path may not always be clear, but when you follow these directives, you'll find yourself walking in step with the Spirit, moving in the direction God intends, and experiencing the abundant life He promises to those who trust Him completely.
Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, desperately wanting to know which path God wants you to take? Should you accept that job offer? Move to a new city? Make that difficult decision that's been weighing on your heart? We've all been there—standing at life's intersections, hoping for a divine GPS to guide us forward.
The beautiful truth is that God hasn't left us to wander aimlessly. While He may not always spell out every specific detail of our future, He has given us clear directives that can keep us firmly planted in His will. These aren't complicated formulas or mystical secrets—they're practical, biblical principles that can transform how we navigate life's decisions.
Be Governed by God's Peace
Imagine a referee in a game—not there to play, but to ensure everything stays within the rules. That's the role God's peace should play in our lives. Colossians 3:15 tells us to "let the peace of God rule in your hearts." That word "rule" in the original Greek was actually used for judges and referees in athletic competitions. God's peace is meant to be an umpire in our hearts, calling the plays and helping us stay on course.
Here's the reality: before we came to Christ, we were at war with God. But when we surrendered to Jesus, He gave us His peace—a peace that transcends understanding, a peace that can weather any storm. Yet sometimes we lose that peace, don't we? We find ourselves anxious, restless, unable to sleep at night because something just doesn't feel right.
That unsettled feeling might be more than just indigestion from a bad burrito—it could be the Holy Spirit's gentle conviction, letting you know you're veering off course. When we live carnally, following our flesh instead of God's Spirit, peace evaporates. We chase after worldly desires, make decisions based on instant gratification, and then wonder why we feel so empty inside.
The Bible gives us a clear picture of what happens when we walk in the flesh versus walking in the Spirit. Galatians 5 contrasts the works of the flesh—things like hatred, jealousy, selfish ambition, and division—with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Notice that peace is right there in the list. When you're living according to God's Spirit, peace naturally follows.
So how do we maintain God's peace? Start by asking yourself: "Do I want God's will in this situation?" Then consider: "Is this decision eternally gratifying, or just instantly gratifying?" Our culture screams for immediate satisfaction—fast shipping, quick loans, instant results. But as followers of Christ, we need to think in terms of eternity. Picture yourself standing before Jesus one day. Are you happy with this decision? Will it bring you joy for eternity, or just temporary pleasure?
Finally, ask: "Will this path lead to abiding rest in God's peace?" If you can't answer yes with confidence, that might be your answer right there.
Be Grounded in God's Word
Peace is important, but feelings can be subjective. That's why we need something objective—something unchanging that can't be manipulated by our emotions or circumstances. We need the Word of God.
Colossians 3:16 instructs us to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." Notice that word "dwell." It doesn't say visit occasionally or check in like a hotel guest. It means to settle down, to make a home, to be so saturated with Scripture that it overflows from your life.
Think about it this way: when you bump into something, whatever's inside spills out. If you're filled to the brim with God's Word, that's what will pour out when life gets hard. When that difficult person crosses your path, when that crisis hits, when that temptation comes—Scripture should overflow naturally.
Not every specific decision you'll ever make is spelled out in the Bible. You won't find a verse that tells you which car to buy or whether to take that promotion. But here's what you will find: everything that IS in the Bible IS God's will for your life. And the principles, precepts, and patterns woven throughout Scripture give you a framework for making wise decisions.
Here's a question that could revolutionize your decision-making: "Is this wise?" It's simple, but it's powerful. So many Christians search for loopholes or try to justify questionable choices, when they could simply ask themselves, "Is this wise?" You don't need a theology degree to answer that question honestly.
God's Word isn't a puzzle box or a mystical code. It's straightforward. It's accessible. It's meant to be read, studied, meditated on, and—most importantly—obeyed. One of the best ways to internalize Scripture is to act on it immediately. When you read something you can apply right now, close the Bible and do it. Need to apologize to someone? Make the call. Need to forgive? Release that grudge. Obedience cements God's Word in your heart like nothing else.
Be Galvanized in God's Praise
When metal is galvanized, it's strengthened by coating it with zinc. Similarly, praise music galvanizes our faith—it's an external stimulus that reinvigorates and fortifies us spiritually.
Colossians 3:16 continues by telling us to teach and admonish one another "in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." This isn't just about enjoying good music—it's about corporate worship that strengthens the entire body of Christ.
When we gather together to sing, something powerful happens. We're not just listening to a performance; we're participating in worship. We're testifying to God's goodness, declaring His truth, and encouraging one another. There's something profoundly convicting about watching someone worship wholeheartedly—it communicates that their faith is real, that Jesus matters to them.
And here's a beautiful bonus: those songs stick with you. You might not remember every point from a teaching, but you'll find yourself humming that worship song days later. Those lyrics—often taken straight from Scripture—become the soundtrack of your week, reminding you of God's faithfulness when you need it most.
Think of the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul," written by a man who had lost everything. How can someone sing those words in the midst of tragedy? Only through the supernatural peace that Jesus provides. That's the power of worship—it anchors us to eternal truth when temporary circumstances try to shake us.
Be Glorifying to God's Son
Here's the catch-all principle: "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17).
Simply ask yourself: "Will this bring glory to God?" That's your highest calling—not to build your own kingdom, but to magnify His. Not to make a name for yourself, but to honor His name.
Saint Augustine captured this beautifully when he said, "Love God and do what you will." He didn't mean love God and then do whatever sinful thing you want. He meant that if you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, then obeying Him becomes natural. As Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments."
Walking in the Light
These three directives—being governed by God's peace, grounded in God's Word, and galvanized in God's praise—work together to keep us in God's will. They're not complicated, but they do require intentionality. They demand that we submit our feelings to Scripture, our desires to His glory, and our plans to His purposes.
The most important decision you'll ever make is whether to surrender your life to Jesus Christ. That's God's primary will for everyone—that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Everything else flows from that foundational choice.
If you've already made that decision, then walk forward with confidence. Let God's peace guide you. Let His Word ground you. Let worship strengthen you. And in everything, seek to glorify Him.
The path may not always be clear, but when you follow these directives, you'll find yourself walking in step with the Spirit, moving in the direction God intends, and experiencing the abundant life He promises to those who trust Him completely.
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