How does God guide us?

As usual, I found Fr. Joe’s homily on Sunday to be food for thought, or rather Archbishop Prendergast’s advice to wait and guidance would come.

So how does God guide us? When in doubt, there is a checklist of sorts, from what I learned at a parish I attended before joining Blessed Sacrament.

Firstly, rely on commanding Scripture for guidance.

Then, rely on God’s compelling Spirit. Our Creator has the power to change our will (if we commit our works to God rather than to ourselves, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3) and ask yourself whether you are at peace with the decision you’ve made.

Thirdly, among the many blessings we have are all those brains between our ears, so we are expected to use our common sense. “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:7

Fourthly, we can pray for the counsel of the saints. “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” Proverbs 12:15.

And finally, God does give us circumstantial signs. In fact, I was just speaking with my spouse about this the other day and we were in agreement that at times it can be quite unsettling to witness how we are gently funneled into a course of action that did not seem obvious at the outset. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28 ‘More Than Conquerors’