Lord, What Should I Be Doing Today? Finding God's Will in Your Daily Life
Lord, What Should I Be Doing Today? Finding God's Will in Your Daily Life
The question, "Lord, what should I be doing today?", might seem simple. Yet, considering the life of King David, it reveals a profound truth about navigating daily life with God's guidance. This seemingly straightforward query holds the key to avoiding pitfalls and living a life aligned with God's purpose.
The biblical account of King David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting God's will. David, a man greatly favored by God, fell into grievous sin. His actions weren't driven by inherent wickedness, but rather by a lapse in seeking God's direction.
Instead of leading his troops into battle as his divinely appointed duty, David remained in Jerusalem. This simple act of negligence led to his fateful encounter with Bathsheba, resulting in adultery, deceit, murder, and ultimately years of turmoil and sorrow. This story highlights a critical point: even the most devout can stumble when they fail to actively seek God's guidance.
This wasn't a sudden, impulsive act but developed from a gradual drifting from God's plan. Had David paused to ask, "Lord, what should I be doing today?", the course of his life, and the lives of many others, might have been drastically different.
Applying the Question to Modern Life: The Royal Priesthood
The implications of David's story extend far beyond ancient Israel. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we, as believers, are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood." This means that each of us has a divine purpose, a role to play in God's plan. Just as David had responsibilities as king, we, too, have responsibilities as members of God's kingdom. Neglecting to seek God's guidance in our daily lives leaves us susceptible to similar missteps.
We might not face battles of the same scale as David, but we still face daily choices—big and small—that can either align us with God's will or lead us astray. The simple act of asking, "Lord, what should I be doing today?", becomes a powerful tool for navigating these choices.
It's not about receiving a detailed itinerary for every moment; it's about seeking God's overall direction for the day, aligning our actions with His purposes.
Making it a Daily Practice: Listening and Responding
Making this a daily practice requires intentionality. Consider setting aside time each morning to pray and ask God for direction. Listen for His promptings throughout the day. These might take different forms: a sudden thought about someone you should pray for, a feeling to reach out to a friend, or a clear sense of what task to prioritize.
Keep a journal to record these promptings and your responses. This will help you track God's guidance and recognize patterns in His leading over time.
Remember that God speaks in many ways—through Scripture, through prayer, through the counsel of wise friends and family, and sometimes through unexpected circumstances.
Learning from Mistakes and Finding Restoration
Recently, I spoke with a young friend who had made some poor choices. His story mirrored, in a smaller way, David's fall. However, unlike David in his initial reaction, my friend showed genuine repentance and humility, actively seeking forgiveness and guidance. His story underscores a crucial point: even after making mistakes, God's grace and mercy are available to those who seek His restoration.
God’s mercy is new every morning, a fresh start each day. Even if we stumble, we can turn back to Him, confess our sins, and seek His guidance for the next step. This doesn't excuse our failings, but it emphasizes the importance of repentance and returning to God's path.
A Call to Action: Pause and Listen
In this season of your life, pause and ask, "Lord, what should I be doing today?" Listen for His response, however subtly it might come. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." By submitting our plans to God's will, we avoid the potential pitfalls of self-directed choices.
Don’t let another day pass without seeking God's guidance. Embrace the opportunity to live a life intentionally aligned with His purpose. This isn't about achieving perfection, but about walking in continuous reliance on the Lord. He provides the strength and wisdom we need for each day, one step at a time, one answer to "Lord, what" at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lord, What Should I Be Doing Today?
What is the core message of "Lord, What Should I Be Doing Today?"?
The core message emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in daily life, mirroring the biblical story of King David and Bathsheba. It argues that neglecting to seek God's will, as David did, leads to poor choices and negative consequences. The simple question, "Lord, what should I be doing today?", serves as a call to intentional obedience and daily reliance on God's guidance. This applies to all Christians, who are called to a life of purpose guided by God.
How does the story of King David relate to the question, "Lord, what should I be doing today?"?
King David's downfall, as described in 2 Samuel 11, stemmed from neglecting his divinely appointed duties. Instead of leading his troops, he remained in Jerusalem, leading to his encounter with Bathsheba and subsequent sin. The author suggests that had David asked, "Lord, what should I be doing today?", he might have avoided this tragic sequence of events. David's story serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the consequences of self-directed choices without seeking God's will.
How can I practically apply the question, "Lord, what should I be doing today?" to my daily life?
The author encourages making this question a daily practice. This involves intentionally seeking God's guidance through prayer and reflection, listening for His promptings, and writing down any insights received. These promptings might include acts of service, reaching out to a specific person, or engaging in other actions that align with God's will. Incorporate these promptings into your daily schedule.
What if I don't receive a clear answer when I ask, "Lord, what should I be doing today?"
God's guidance isn't always immediate or explicitly detailed. Sometimes, the answer lies in increased attentiveness to your circumstances, a growing awareness of needs around you, or a sense of peace around certain actions. Perseverance in prayer and seeking wisdom through scripture and community are vital in discerning God's will. Trust that God will guide you even if the path isn't immediately clear.
Is this concept only relevant to specific people or religious roles?
No, this principle applies to all Christians. The author utilizes the scripture 1 Peter 2:9, which describes believers as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood," suggesting that every believer has a God-given purpose. Seeking God's daily guidance is not limited to clergy or those in specific leadership positions; it's a call to all who follow Christ.
How does this relate to the story of Saul's conversion?
While a different example, Saul's conversion (Acts 9) illustrates a similar principle: seeking God's direction after a transformative encounter. Saul's question, "Lord, what do you want me to do?", demonstrates a crucial step in submitting to God's will. Both David's story and Saul's conversion underscore the importance of seeking divine guidance rather than making independent decisions based solely on one's own plans and ambition. Both stories show the potential for restoration and transformation through seeking God’s will.
What if I make mistakes despite trying to seek God's guidance?
The author emphasizes God's mercy and forgiveness. Even after mistakes, like those made by David's young friend in the original blog post, repentance and humility are key to restoration. God offers a fresh start each day. Continued striving to seek His will, even amidst mistakes, is central to living a life of intentional obedience.
