Read Psalm 119:66

Many Christians complain that God doesn't speak to them when they're in need of guidance. For some reason they have forgotten the first and most basic way God leads His children—through His written Word!

As the psalmist said, "Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). Whenever you see the scriptural phrase "This is the will of God," you know for sure that's His will. You also know that to disobey is to break His Word. Other clear indications of His leading are the precepts and principles in the Scripture.

Precepts are clearly marked statements like "Abstain from sexual immorality." That's like saying, "Speed Limit 35." What is speeding? Anything over 35 miles an hour. That's a precept.

Then there are principles in the Scriptures that are general guidelines that require discernment and maturity if we are to grasp them.

So often in the emotion of the moment or the pressure of the day, we make a decision that we would never make in the clear, discerning light of God's Word. Make a habit of reading the Word when you're facing tough decisions or moves, and study it prayerfully. God will talk to you!

You will never, ever go wrong in consulting the Scriptures.

Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.