This past Sunday, on my way home from my daughter's house, I chose to take a detour and enjoy a spot that brings tranquility to my soul. I got out of my car and sat on a bench overlooking the lake. It was absolutely beautiful, the day was brisk, but the water was rather calm, with just small waves lapping the shore. I missed this spot! I haven't been there since last fall and forgot how special this place is to my heart. The vastness of the lake reminds me of the vastness of God.
Suddenly the tranquility of the moment was lost as I watched a man playing ball with his dog, his beautiful golden retriever. The man would throw the ball down the hill and the dog would run after it. Unfortunately the dog did not choose to come right back, he chose to investigate what was going on around him each time his owner would throw the ball. Most dog owners I have heard usually just call their dog, or say no but this man was different. He had one word for his dog that he yelled over and over again. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! He would yell it until his beautiful dog came back. I thought it was mean of that dog owner to be so harsh with his dog.
Over the last few days I have had a thought cross my mind; wouldn't it be nice to have someone who could tell me when I was wrong; when I was about to make a mistake so that I could avoid it? God reminded me that I actually do have someone who is with me, who does work in my life to direct my path.
In John 16:13-14, Jesus said, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you."
God has placed the Holy Spirit in our lives to guide us into all truth. In my life when I have times that I choose not to listen to that voice of the Holy Spirit, His voice seems to get softer and softer until it seems not to be audible at all. In reality, since I am getting farther and farther from the truth, it is harder and harder to hear. It has nothing to do with the Holy Spirit not being loud enough, it has to do with my proximity to Him. The closer we stay to God, the easier it seems to hear His voice.
As much as I was annoyed at the man yelling WRONG at his dog, it was a great reminder of the presence of Holy Spirit in our lives and the importance of staying close by. If you can't hear His voice, perhaps you need to get a little closer. There is no better place to be.
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