Finding Guidance in Everyday Life
When I read Isaiah 30:21, I’m struck by how reassuring it is. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” To me, this verse feels like a gentle reminder that, even when life gets confusing or scary, there’s always a guiding force leading us forward. It has been a guiding principle for living and ministry. It has served as a guiding principle, shaping both the course of my life and the heart of my ministry.
It’s easy to feel lost sometimes. We all have moments—big or small—when we’re not sure what the next step should be. Maybe it’s a choice about a job, a relationship, or even just how to respond to someone in a tough situation. The world is full of distractions and temptations, and it’s easy to wander off the track we know we should be on. Isaiah’s words remind me that God isn’t just sitting back, letting us figure things out on our own. Instead, He’s right there, offering guidance, sometimes quietly, sometimes through people or circumstances.
I think about the “voice behind you” and how it might show up in real life. Sometimes it’s a feeling in your gut that nudges you in one direction or another. Other times, it’s a wise friend giving advice, or maybe just something you read or hear that clicks and makes sense. For me, these moments have been God’s way of saying, “Hey, this is the way—walk here.”
There have been times in my life when I faced choices that felt overwhelming. I remember being torn between different paths, unsure which was “right.” Looking back, the decisions that brought the most peace were usually the ones I made after stepping back, praying, and listening. Sometimes the answer didn’t come right away. Sometimes it was just a quiet sense of certainty, other times it was a sudden realization or a conversation that helped me see the bigger picture. It’s comforting to know that the guidance is there, even if I have to pause and listen for it.
The verse also reminds me that God’s guidance isn’t just for the big crossroads. Even in everyday situations—when I’m tempted to snap at someone, or when I’m deciding how to spend my time—I can listen for that voice. It suggests that God cares about the details of my life, not just the dramatic moments. Even if I mess up or wander off the path, there’s always an opportunity to hear Him calling me back.
Isaiah 30:21 gives hope to anyone who feels like they’ve made mistakes or lost their way. The promise isn’t that we’ll never make wrong turns, but that help is always available. God’s guidance is ongoing, not just a one-time thing. If I’m willing to listen, I don’t have to walk alone or rely only on my own understanding.
In the end, this verse is about trust. Trusting that there’s a bigger plan, that I don’t have to figure everything out myself, and that—even if the path isn’t clear—there’s a voice that will help me through it. It’s a comfort to know that no matter which way I turn, I can listen for that gentle reminder and find my way.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 