“My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store My commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you. Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:1-6).
I do not know if you have ever been lost – in the woods, a new city, or driving across the country. If you have, then you know the concerns, the confusion, and the panic it causes. Now, I recognize, that with today’s technology, it does not happen as often as it did when I was a youth, but it still happens.
But think of the difference it would have made if you had a map in your pocket, pack, or glove compartment? Now listen, this is precisely what God’s Word is to be for us and to us – God’s map, in how to live and navigate life. But here is the deal, it does no good unless you trust it and let it be your guide.
How many marriages, children, lives, would have found success had they embraced God’s Word? Here is the deal, we can get off track because of one or more of the following:
Neglect. Sometimes we allow ourselves to get so busy that we forget to look at God’s Word (His map) to make sure we are heading in the right direction.
How about pride? So many want to determine their own destiny, make it their own way. They prefer to plan a course of action by relying on their own strength, wisdom, and abilities.
Then there are distractions. See, I contend being obedient to God is easy, until we allow a glance to turn into a gaze. How many times have people considered a shorter route, the route of pleasure, fitting in, ease, only to find themselves in a real mess? Of course, in the immediate, it seems harmless, but that is precisely what the enemy wants us to believe.
Finally, we will face difficulties. Whenever obstacles appear on the trail, our natural tendency is to think, to try and find a way around them. But by ignoring God’s Word, and stepping off the path, we will miss the blessings He wants to give us through the rough patches – benefits, such as stronger faith and Godly character.
So why wander? Let God’s Word be your guide on life’s journey. You see, God’s promises are sure, you can always count on them. It may seem strange as you get started, especially if those around you are doing something different, something that seems fun at first glance. But God’s Word cannot fail. It will always do what it says it will do (Isaiah 55:11).
So, trust God’s map – His Word. It will guide you. It will direct each step you take, and His peace will sustain you, no matter what you face (Isaiah 40:8; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105).
