FOLLOWING CLOSELY
Scripture Reading: Psalms 32:1-11
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you. - Psalms 32:8-9
The closer you are to someone, the easier it is to instinctively communicate with them. In many intimate relationships, a person can communicate with their partner in a crowd without uttering a word. An experienced participant in an auction will sometimes only wink and the auctioneer will get the signal and announce a new bid from them. In verse 8, God gives a threefold promise. I will instruct thee, I will teach thee and I will guide thee represent three properties of God as a good teacher.
To instruct is to make the people understand the way of salvation. To teach is to go before them and show them the way. God also says He will guide or direct us with His eye. The one pointing you to the next destination says He will watch over you, keep an eye on you and not let you go wrong. Servants take their cue from the master's eye. Oftentimes, a nod or wink is all they need to know what exactly is required of them by the master. This calls for sensitivity to know what He is prompting us to do at every point.
The scripture, in apparent contrast, cautions us to avoid behaving like horses and mules that lack understanding and can only be moved or guided by coercion. Our ears must always be inclined to the voice and leading of the Holy Spirit. We must sense and obey the slightest nudge from Him without waiting for thunder, lightening or some other dramatic or painful prompting from Him.
Prayer: Lord, as I draw closer to You, may my ears be inclined to hear even when You whisper or wink.
