Living on acreage in the country means co-existing with nature and her entourage. 

Deer who eat whatever they want. Squirrels who eat whatever they want. Field mice who do the same and also want to live inside my house. Birds that use the eaves of my house for their house.

All of them leaving smells and trappings. None of them cleaning up after themselves.

Which means my dog constantly pulls on his leash when outside. 

He sees and wants to go. He smells and wants to explore. He reverts to his pre-domestic self willing to traipse off regardless of the cost. Or consequence.

Too often you and I resemble dogs out of their element.

An early-church martyr named Stephen once preached a sermon right before being stoned to death. Not one to mince words Stephen accused God’s people of repeatedly ignoring God’s counsel. “…You always resist the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 7.51

Our techno-rich world provides trappings and smells that beckon us on nature trips. God’s Spirit would pull us back. Redirect our instincts. Counsel how we’re not designed for such exploring.

Yet we tug. And resist. And then shake fists at God when the result creates more pain than pleasure.

God’s counsel lives in the quiet. Especially for those of us claimed by Him as His children. 

A gentle whisper outside a cave (1 Kings 19). The one-on-one conversation of a leader seeking wisdom at night (John 3). A three-word sentence while hanging on a cross (John 19).

You might want suburban rules in your rural setting. You might wish for no more animal scat on your drive or patio or windows.

Instead God’s given you His Spirit. Whispering directions to ears open to listening. Whispering encouragement to hearts open to following. 

Where do you need to resist God less and follow Him more?