If you need guidance today, here are seven steps you can take: (1) Clear the channel: Repent and receive forgiveness. Sin, such as bad habits and attitudes, hinder communication with God. Also, be willing to set aside your personal desires and be open to God. (2) Be patient: ‘‘Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord’’ (Psalm 27:14). Listen: ‘Let none that wait on Thee be ashamed’’ (Psalm 25:3). Don’t give in to self-generated urgency. Let God open the door for you! (3) Beware of external pressures: These usually come from your present circumstances, or from those who’d impose their agenda on you. Sift all advice through God’s Word. (4) Watch out for internal pressures: These are triggered by old messages, and manifest themselves as fear of loss, or exaggerated expectations. (5) Persist in prayer: The Bible says, ‘Pray without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God’s goal is to bring you into His likeness, and He uses prayer to do it. Prayer is not for God’s benefit; it’s for yours! He already knows what you should do; as you persevere in prayer He’ll reveal it to you. (6) Search the Scriptures: Read and digest God’s Word. It’s an unfailing source of wisdom. It cuts through the clutter and filters out whatever’s not of God. (7) Wait for peace: Listen: ‘Let the peace of God rule in your hearts’’ (Colossians 3:15). Peace is the ‘umpire’ that should settle all your decisions, so don’t proceed without it.