Map

Scriptures: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)

It was late at night and the lighting in the campground wasn’t very bright. An elderly couple, standing outside the conference building, asked each other, “Where’s our cabin?” With the dim lights and the name plates on the cabins not readable, every cabin looked the same to them and this couple was having problems finding their way around.

We happened to be on our way to the conference building and ran into this couple. As we just checked in ourselves, we still have the map in hand. Though also new to the camp, with the help of the map, we were able to take them to their cabin in no time. You should see the relief on their faces when they go to their cabin.

Sometimes life can be just like this experience. We seem to know where we are going. But, the signs are not clear, the light is dim, we can’t see very well, and we seem to have been left alone. Where do we go from here? Which path should we take? Why does every path look the same?

When it’s time of confusion, we need a map, a manual, a guide, a pointer that helps point us to the way we need to go. Bible is this map, the guide that God prepares for us so we will not get lost in life. Made up of 66 books and presented in various writing styles, through Bible, God wants to point us back to Himself.

In the law and commandment books, He expressed His expectations for us. Through history books, He showed His character and works in our midst and reminded us to learn from the history. Through psalms, He invited us to go deeper in our relationship with Him and to enjoy the goodness and mercy He has for us. Through wisdom books, He gave us practical instructions on how to live wisely by divine standards. Through prophecies, He revealed His wills and plans for us as well as for the world.

He is trying to reach every one of us through every possible writing style for “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9) He has been sending His servants since ancient time to preach His messages to kings and beggars alike. He has made His words, the Bible, available to all so all may come to know Him and turn away from their wicked and destructive paths.

Life is still a great mystery to just about everyone, full of surprises and challenges. As we continue down this journey, we have a couple of choices: choice number one is to go down our lives with His instructions and guidance set aside and with the uneasiness of not knowing what’s going to happen in and after life. Choice number two is to move on with careful observation of His instructions and guidance and with the peace and certainty knowing that our lives are in the hands of God who said, “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 28:11)

Which choice is it going to be? Choice number one? Why?

Prayer Requests:
For all those trying to make a sense out of life

Prayer:
Father, You know us all. You know who we are, where we are, and how we are. Thank You for giving us the living Word, our Lord Jesus, and the written Word, the Bible, so we may come to know You and experience the riches of life You have in store for us. As we struggle through this journey called life, please help us to heed to Your instructions and guidance so that we will not only be certain of Your will, but also be pointers for others to come to know You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!