“Guide, Guard, and Direct”
Have you heard the petition, "Please guide, guard and direct us" in a prayer lately? Although not heard as frequently as perhaps 50 years ago, some Christians still utter these words in their prayers. If we consider their meaning, it will become apparent why these saints continue to ask God to “guide, guard and direct us".
“GUIDE" means to steer or lead. Because “the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps"(Jer. 10:23), we need all the guidance possible. And who can do any better than the One Who created us (Psa. 100:3) and knows all things (1 Jn 3:20)? Before His death Jesus promised His followers, "…when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:12-13). Through His inspired, living and powerful word (2 Tim 3:16, Heb 4:12), God provides the guidance we desperately need today.
“GUARD" means to protect, defend or watch over. With the possible exception of the days prior to the flood (Gen 6:5), we are living in one of the worse periods – morally and ethically – of earth's history. The real threat to Christians today is not crime, war or disease; it is the corrupt and depraved world in which we live (2 Tim. 3:13). We require God’s help to survive unscathed, and He provides it via His word, power and providential peace (Psa. 119:9, 1 Pet. 1:4 & Phil 4:7).
“DIRECT" means to aim towards a goal or objective. It comes as no surprise that the attractions, diversions and lusts of the world constantly vie for our attention. Satan's goal is to divert our attention away from our heavenly home, hoping that we will abandon our confidence in Christ (Heb 10:35). Thus we need God’s help to remain focused on the eternal prize, crown and hope that lies before us (Phil 3:14, 1 Tim. 4:8 & Heb. 12:2).
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So the next time you hear someone petitioning God to “guide, guard and direct us”, you should appreciate the importance of the request. Better yet, try incorporating it into some of your own prayers.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
Have you heard the petition, "Please guide, guard and direct us" in a prayer lately? Although not heard as frequently as perhaps 50 years ago, some Christians still utter these words in their prayers. If we consider their meaning, it will become apparent why these saints continue to ask God to “guide, guard and direct us".
“GUIDE" means to steer or lead. Because “the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps"(Jer. 10:23), we need all the guidance possible. And who can do any better than the One Who created us (Psa. 100:3) and knows all things (1 Jn 3:20)? Before His death Jesus promised His followers, "…when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:12-13). Through His inspired, living and powerful word (2 Tim 3:16, Heb 4:12), God provides the guidance we desperately need today.
“GUARD" means to protect, defend or watch over. With the possible exception of the days prior to the flood (Gen 6:5), we are living in one of the worse periods – morally and ethically – of earth's history. The real threat to Christians today is not crime, war or disease; it is the corrupt and depraved world in which we live (2 Tim. 3:13). We require God’s help to survive unscathed, and He provides it via His word, power and providential peace (Psa. 119:9, 1 Pet. 1:4 & Phil 4:7).
“DIRECT" means to aim towards a goal or objective. It comes as no surprise that the attractions, diversions and lusts of the world constantly vie for our attention. Satan's goal is to divert our attention away from our heavenly home, hoping that we will abandon our confidence in Christ (Heb 10:35). Thus we need God’s help to remain focused on the eternal prize, crown and hope that lies before us (Phil 3:14, 1 Tim. 4:8 & Heb. 12:2).
*************************************************************************************************
So the next time you hear someone petitioning God to “guide, guard and direct us”, you should appreciate the importance of the request. Better yet, try incorporating it into some of your own prayers.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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