God Speaking

“Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

(Romans 8: 14)

I was in a very busy supermarket the other day. It was filled with people pushing buggies and jostling each other as they hurried down the aisles. I noticed a young mother with a young toddler in tow and watched in admiration as she held his little hand tightly, guiding him through the crowd. I also noticed the little one did not seem to be worried by all the noise, while he held on tightly to his mother’s hand, having complete confidence in her to keep him safe. I suddenly remembered a recent study I had been doing on the Holy Spirit and thought what a beautiful example I had just witnessed in this mother and child. A reminder of just what the Holy Spirit wants to do for us. Lead us safely through life’s struggles. 

Jesus leaves a lovely message behind for us to have faith like little children. When he sees the disciples shooing away mothers bringing their children to him to bless, he leaves these powerful words for us to listen to. 

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18: 16 – 17)

Paul continues to emphasise our privilege of being children of God in his letter to the Roman church. 

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8: 16)

Going back to my story of the little boy, I am sure we have all seen the opposite happen with little children, as some refuse to hold the adult’s hand, running ahead wildly unaware of the danger they might put themselves into. If we are children of God, we too must remember to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us safely and we do this by listening to his voice, staying on the path of truth with him, seeking his guidance through prayer before we step out to our busy lives. 

When Jesus was teaching his disciples who he was, he described himself as the Good Shepherd. So when we follow Jesus, he gives us his Holy Spirit to dwell within us, so he becomes a powerful Shepherd in our lives. The beautiful well-known Psalm 23 gives us a beautiful description of what a Good Shepherd looks like and does for his sheep. It is well worth reading every morning to remind us that He is there with us. These favorite verses of mine remind us that, despite all the turmoil of the world around us and the loud voices that distract us, he will quiet our souls. 

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23: 2 – 3)