The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

                                                Isaiah 58:11

 

I’m thankful and hopeful, because as I write this I’ve been doing well for probably nine days. I feel in better control. The cobwebs have diminished. The ground under my feet is more solid. I’m less disorganized, I’m stronger.

Will this last? What can I do to stay well? What does God have to say about this? By googling I found Isaiah 58:11. It reflects what I know has given me strength in the past, even as I deal with mental illness. Following God’s guidance has helped my wellness in many ways.

I want to share how I’ve been finding this guidance in the past. If you are confused about how to go about seeking direction, this might help.

As I plan my days I try to do the following:

I set aside some time with God, preferably at the beginning of my day.

  • Ask Him what He’d like me to do.
  • What is most important for this day?
  • What gifts could I use?
  • What would I enjoy and do with ease?
  • What would give me the satisfaction of knowing I’m serving? (eg, your home, friends, community)

When an idea comes to mind:

I ASK GOD: “Is this what you want me to do Lord? Will you be with me in it?”

I ASK MYSELF: “Does this feel right for me?”

If it’s right for me, God will let me know. (Today – for me – it’s doing mountains of laundry that have collected. I even look forward to it.)

In the verse above I hear Isaiah saying that as you follow God’s guidance He will fill your needs and make you well and strong. The garden you have within will flourish because God has shown you a source of life-giving purpose and meaning – “a spring whose waters never fail.”

I wonder if searching for God’s purpose for me will keep my mental health as strong as it is today. Will it give me energy and motivation? Will it keep me in better touch with God – with my life? God’s guidance has helped me many times. I want to seek it daily.

Is this something you have tried or would like to try?

How has God watered your garden today?