Which Way to Go?

Read: Psalm 19:7-9; Psalm 25:4-5; John 14:1-7; Hebrews 12:2

A few years ago I had the privilege of homeschooling my children while we were living overseas. As part of their history course, we included a weekly assignment of learning how to read a map. We studied every aspect of a map. We learned (yes, I learned right along with them) how to read latitude and longitude coordinates, the difference of the hemispheres, facts about the Equator and the Meridian, and so much more. It provided a lot of interesting conversations.

Some people love following maps as they like to visually see how to get from point A to point B, and others would rather not bother with the hassle of dealing with any type of directional tool (they are likely not the type to ask for directions either). With the new technology of Global Positioning Satellite systems there will be a generation that will miss the challenge and thrill of folding a map back into its original layout. Trust me I know from personal experience this can be a true accomplishment.

Several times a year our family would take road trips, and I was the keeper of the map. I would help guide my husband as he drove. We haven’t been on a driving trip yet since owning our own GPS system. It just doesn’t seem as adventurous to me. I mean where is the fun of having your map turned upside down or spread out all over the dashboard? Of course we do have the new thrill of hearing the GPS yelling, “Recalculating.”

Maps do intrigue me and I’m amazed when I think of those individuals who have spent their life making sure they are completely accurate. Could you imagine if someone decided to publish maps that were purposely incorrect only to confuse and direct someone off track? How frustrating would that be?

All of this map thinking was because I read a passage in The Message the other morning that made me understand how God’s Word is a similar tool for direction in our lives. It’s perfect to help course our way.

The Message - Psalm 19:7-9
The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.

You see, God is the Cartographer of life. If you read His Word and seek direction in your life there is a perfect outline. I’ve heard some say the Bible is not relevant or accurate. I’ve found both statements to be completely false. Many have set out to disprove the Word of God but none have been able to accomplish this. Why? It’s the truth!

The more I read the more I’m amazed how applicable His Word is to everyday events. I even find that the promises and scriptures of encouragement meet every aspect I have dealt with in life. God wants to help us with the details of our lives.

I have a friend who doesn’t believe in the Bible, and doubts that God exists. As I was thinking about this the other day it is clear that one of us is wrong. It’s that plain and simple. I wasn’t thinking I need to prove her wrong, so that I would be right. I thought I would consider that I was the one wrong and what that would mean for me.

I thought about it simply – not trying to rationalize it theologically. If I’m wrong what does that mean for my life? What have I missed? How would my life be different? What would my life be like without using the Bible as my foundation for how I live (or should live)? What if I didn’t use this map for my life?

I came to the conclusion that I would have been miserable without Jesus in my life. I do remember the years before I believed, and a couple of years when I decided I knew which direction I should go. I was so off course and felt like my life became a disaster. Jesus Himself told his disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” It really is that simple. We are the ones who complicate the truth.

Yes, I’ve found forgiveness, acceptance, and love, but it’s the true strength I receive from God’s Word that makes a difference in my life each and every day. In my hardest circumstances (I’ve had a few) I have experienced peace that couldn’t be found if God did not exist. God’s ways have given me a deep joy. I feel that the Word is my compass. The Spirit is the force in which it points me in the way I should go and directs the path I’m supposed to take.

Does that mean my friend who doesn’t believe doesn’t experience peace or joy? Absolutely not, but the joy seems only to last for a short time. There is a searching and lack of contentment in her life that is evident. I almost sense there is a pain and loneliness due to her unbelief. As if she is constantly trying to fight against the truth.

As I’ve journeyed through one of the most difficult times in my life recently, I have trusted that Jesus was with me and would help me. It has in no way been easy and there are days I’m not proud of how I responded, but I can truthfully say I still experienced a peace and a purpose. It’s not about me – it’s about Him.

During this same time I have watched friends as their lives are actually falling apart, during the “best of times” in their lives. I believe it’s because they have no direction or guidance. The so called “maps” they are using are not based on truth. Their way is clouded and it does not bring contentment. I hurt for them.

Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:6 (The Message)

If you feel lost, get your map out, begin reading, and trust that you will be directed in the right direction.

You can even do it right where you are right now at: http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/readingplans/

May Psalm 119:50 be the praise on your lips – “For Your word has given me life.”