Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18 ESV

The situation addressed in this verse of Scripture is one in which the Lord has not made His will specifically known. There have been no dreams or visions given to the prophets in order to set the direction of God’s people. When no specific revelation is given people tend to decide for themselves what they should do. Too often the results are the same as trying to take a cat for a walk without a leash. They wander all over the place and all too frequently wind up in trouble. Therefore the writer encourages us to realize that the generally known will of God, recorded in God’s written Word, is sufficient to keep us on the straight and narrow when no specific vision has been given.

As we enter the year 2012, I wonder, have you asked the Lord what He wants you to do this year? Have you even thought about it? A lot of people don’t. This is unfortunate because every Christian holds the treasure of God’s Presence in their earthen vessel (2nd Corinthians 4:7), and unless it is invested in something beyond the regular routines of life, only a little glimmer of this glory will be seen. How sad!

At this point you may be asking, “What in the world would the Lord want me to do?” It could be a lot of things. Maybe the Lord wants you to spend more time in His Word. Perhaps He would like you to spend more time in prayer for a specific person or mission organization. The Lord could even desire for you to become involved in a ministry in the church or a community service project. One thing is for certain, if you ask the Lord what He wants you to do, He will show you. What He reveals will then become the guiding vision to help you stay on track.

Beloved, please don’t simply wander through this New Year. Let the Lord set your course according to His will. At this time next year you will be amazed at what He will have done through your obedience!

Happy New Year!

MD