Each morning I try to take a brisk walk down our street. There’s a lovely walking trail next to the lake in my neighborhood, but instead of venturing down the trail, I always turn back and stay on the main road instead.

You see, the walking trail runs in between the fishing lake and the houses beside it. It appears to be cutting a path through private property, but my husband assured me that's not the case. And even though I trust my husband fully, I still hesitate before taking the path. I question if it’s safe, or if someone is going to come out their back door and shout at me to stop walking on their property.

I’m a rule follower, and I shudder at the thought of taking a wrong step. If only the path had a clear sign, giving me the okay to go that direction.

My relationship with the Holy Spirit can feel a lot like that walking path. I say that I trust God to guide me, but instead of following with confidence, I let my own thoughts and ideas get in the way. When we sense the Spirit giving us the go-ahead to take a certain path, will we listen? Or will we lean on our own understanding instead?

The Holy Spirit’s Role in Our Lives

When Jesus ascended to heaven to be with the Father, he sent us the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter. As we learn more about who he is and our relationship with him, the Holy Spirit will work powerfully in our lives.

Understanding how the Holy Spirit guides us will help us gain confidence in following his lead. Here are 4 ways the Holy Spirit guides us in our daily lives:

Number One: He will bring specific Scriptures to mind at times when we need them most.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 ESV

Number Two: He shows us where we should or shouldn’t go.

“And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.” Acts:16:6

Number Three: He keeps us from sinful ways.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 ESV

Number Four: He guides us in becoming more like Jesus.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

For more on what it means to let the Spirit lead you, check out our explanation in the video below:

Carmen & Kristine explain what it means to be led by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.

What Happens When We Follow the Spirit’s Leading

One morning, I decided to trust my husband and take a step of faith down the winding path. “People walk that trail all the time,” he insisted, “I promise you; it will be okay.”

At first, the well-manicured path led me through a peaceful setting next to the serene lake. I listened as a variety of birds sang, reminding me how God feeds even the little birds. (Matthew 6:26)

But soon, overgrowth covered the trail and brush blocked the view in front of me. I paused, and for a moment, I second-guessed my decision. As I was about to turn back, I noticed that I could see through the brush where the trail connected with the familiar street up ahead. I enjoyed the rest of my walk and made it safely to the end. It turned out, my husband was right. (But don’t tell him I said so.)

I’ve been known to second-guess a choice I made, even if I prayed about it and sensed the Holy Spirit guiding me. Because sometimes, the path gets rocky, even when we’re headed in the right direction. Friend, we shouldn’t assume that we’ve made a wrong turn when the path gets rough. The struggle of the rocky terrain may be what God will use to build our faith and strengthen our dependence on him.

Let’s pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us today. May we have wisdom to always seek the Holy Spirit’s understanding instead of our own.

A Prayer to Be Led by the Spirit

Dear Lord,

Teach me to do your will. I know you’ve called me to serve you, but I don’t know what to do next. I want to be led by the Holy Spirit, so I can live out the special purpose you have for me. I seek you today, Father. Let your good Spirit guide me.

Isaiah 30:21 reads, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Sometimes I don’t know which way to go. Help me hear the Holy Spirit’s voice. Teach me how to slow down and take a break from the noise of the world in order to hear you clearly. Help me discern your voice above all others and trust where you lead me.

When I get impatient, thank you for reminding me to seek the fruits of the Spirit, including patience and faithfulness. I know you are with me, and I will continue listening as you direct me to take the next step. Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit to lead me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

(This prayer was taken from a devotion by Kristine Brown, written for Crosswalk.)