"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV)
It's not always easy being a Christian. Sometimes, we have to make hard choices: choices to obey God instead of our flesh, our friends, our desires or our preferences. There is only one way to make right choices and that is to let the Word of God be the divider.
Sometimes, it's a challenge to discern the right thing to do. Our soul and spirit are so closely linked that we need a strong divider to help us discern God's will and desire in a matter. Our soul – our mind, emotions and will – want one thing and in our spirit – our heart – we sense that God wants something else. The only thing that can truly divide between soul and spirit is the Word of God. Siding with God's Word is always a safe guide!
Too many believers only follow logic, reason, pros and cons, past experience, their desires and circumstances to make decisions and they totally overlook the most important guidance tool God has given them – His Word and His Spirit. The natural things are not sufficient to divide between soul and spirit – God's living Word is.
How does this work in real life? If you are facing a tough decision or are having a hard time hearing God's voice, spend extra time in God's Word so that it can divide between your soul and spirit. Some of the more common choices God calls us to make have to do with things our soul desires: the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. This includes hard choices regarding: following God's plan for your life instead of your plan, choosing friendships, choices about partying, living with your boyfriend/girlfriend, being a slave to addictions, greed, materialism, gossip and ego. Sometimes, you can't discern God's voice in your spirit because your soul is screaming so loud. The only way to really divide between soul and spirit is by spending time in the Word.
In other words, let's say you are facing a decision in a relationship or in your job or in changing careers or in purchasing a home or in a call to ministry but you are just not sure what to do. Don't try to figure it out and don't just go with logic and reason; get into the Word and trust God to give you a Word to light up your path. God will speak to you through His Word and He will give you the precise direction you need. He will let you know what choice to make and He will give you the grace you need to follow through. The Lord has your best interest in mind, so you can rest in the knowledge that following His Word is the wise and safe thing to do.
Jesus said, "Man doesn't live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." We can make hard choices and we must! We can do so when we choose to absolutely live by the living Word of God.
Say It: “Father, I thank You for Your Word. I am facing some hard decisions and I need to hear from You. I thank You that Your Word is a safe guide and a reliable divider. I will choose to follow You as I make hard choices knowing that You have my best interests in mind. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
