The conversation during the Supper, according to John, was dense. At one point Jesus says, “When I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again to take you with Me, that where I am, you may be also. Where I am going, you know the way.” (John 14:3-4) Good old Thomas, always a very practical man says, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest: how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). Like Thomas our big question is how to walk the path that will lead to happiness? How to get our bearings on our journey?

On the road to happiness everyone follows something or someone. In front of you there are several possibilities:

– You follow whatever gives you “real gusto”. Ask yourself: if you only do what you feel like doing, will you be happy and achieve your goals?

– You follow the crowd. Another possibility is to “do what everybody else does” and go with the crowd. Follow the latest fad, the new guru or the “influencer” with the most followers. Ask yourself: does the crowd, do they look happy, do they seem like meaningful people or do they seem lost and disoriented?

– You follow the GPS. The three letters of the GPS you use regularly on your mobile phone stand for “Global positioning system”, but that GPS can’t lead you to the big goal, happiness. But you have another GPS, where the 3 letters mean: “Guided by the Lord”. If you ask God: “O Lord, teach me your ways! Make me to know them well. (…) God guides the humble in the right path and teaches them his will.” Psalms 25:4-9 How?

1. By the Word of God

“Your word is a lamp that lights my steps and a light that clears my path.” (Psalm 119:105). In the Bible, God speaks to us. In it you will discover the truth of what leads you to happiness and what keeps you from it! “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” (2Timothy 3:16)

2. For your intelligence

God has given every human being intelligence and a conscience. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who freely and willingly gives it to all; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5). The conscience is like the “voice of God.” It transmits the divine law and simultaneously offers conditions for judging an act done or to be done. Paul says to the Corinthians: “My conscience indeed accuses me of nothing, but for this reason I am not justified; it is the Lord who judges me” (1 Corinthians 4:4).

3. The advice of others

God also speaks to others. “Hear counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your days to come.” (Proverbs 19:20).When seeking advice, it is good to choose someone who has spiritual maturity, is wise, and who prays. Someone close, but who is also free to speak the truth that will make you grow!

4. The events

God can guide you by means of signs or “coincidences” to attract your attention. When you pray, you begin to realise that coincidences don’t exist, they are tricks that God uses so that you don’t have to explain too much. “All things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28).

5. The Holy Spirit’s guidance

When you pray God gives you “the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and temperance.” (Galatians 5:22-23). And he leads you through your desires. God pushes you forward, towards the Good, towards the Good, towards the Beautiful, towards the gift of you, towards love!

Sometimes in extraordinary ways, by revelations or visions! It still happens!

You are guided by God when these 5 criteria are Ok!

SFS

– Ask God for wisdom

– Take some time to analyze your last decisions