“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalm 68:8 KJV

One of the glorious privileges of a life with the Lord is learning how to ‘follow’ Him. To discern His plan. To hear His voice as we navigate this wonderful but sometimes treacherous path called Life. How do we follow an invisible God? How do we hear an inaudible Voice? How can we be assured that the plans we are making, the decisions we choose, are the right ones?

This beautiful relationship, the most precious in all my life has one true thread throughout: His unwavering, ever present love that leads and guides me faithfully.

First, by His word. We often say, if you want to be able to discern when the Lord is speaking to you by His Spirit, read His word. For in the word you will learn His thoughts, His ways and His commands. Directionally the Word of God can save you from making terrible mistakes. It is His light to us, shining on our darkened paths. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105.

Another way the Lord leads is by His peace. His peace acts like an umpire in our hearts the word says, letting us know when we are straying from grace, and then letting us know, in abundance, that we are safe. It passes our understanding and guards our hearts and our minds. When we surrender all to Jesus, we allow the peace of God to RULE us. (Col 3:15)

By far, most important way for us to be able to know His Voice and follow Him unhindered is to live a life of total surrender. The more surrendered we are to His plan, the more we can be joyful in the here and now, and rejoice in every present moment. In these times, I have found, no matter how difficult my circumstances, He is not far from me. I can find Him. I can hear Him. I see His hand of blessing. It holds me up.

Pursuing hard after God has been a lifelong pleasure for me. What I’ve discovered in the Gospels, the words “come and follow Me” (Matt 4:19-22; Matt 9:9 and others) is always in the present tense. It’s come and “follow Me” and don’t stop! I can truly say He has met me at every turn, lifted me after every fall, healed my brokenness when no one else could. Truly, Jesus is our EVER PRESENT HELP in times of trouble.

Therefore, beloved. RUN! Run after Him, HARD. He is right there with His arms opened wide to catch you.

~ Debbie Ecker