Finding the proper direction when traveling doesn’t seem to be much of a problem these days. Every phone has a free app that can give us driving directions.
But what about directions for life?
Wouldn’t it be great to know which school to go to, which person to date and marry, the right job to take? Which investment will give the best return, which house to buy? What doctor or surgeon has the right skills? How should I discipline my kids? Or just the simple things…where do I go for dinner tonight?
What if I told you there is a way to know the right answers? Are you listening? Do you really want to know?
“But God is your teacher, and he will not continue to hide from you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. 21 If you wander from the right path, either to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, “You should go this way. Here is the right way.” Isaiah 30:20-21 ERV
God has always promised to be involved in the details of our lives. He wants to give us direction and with that direction comes success. God had promised the Israelites that He would give them land. He would show them how to defeat their enemies, where to build their homes and even how to tend their crops.
“But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 ERV
He is wanting to do the same for us! But His instruction is the same.
“ You have known the Holy Scriptures since you were a child. These Scriptures are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. 17 Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.” II Timothy 3:15-17 ERV
Trusting God’s word will prepare us for everything in life. It will correct us when we are wrong and direct us to what is right; this isn’t just for our spiritual lives but it’s instruction for every good work.
Now look at what Solomon said. He was professed to be the wisest man who ever lived so his instruction should be worth considering.
“Children, listen to your father’s teaching. Pay attention and you will learn how to learn. 2 The advice I give is good, so don’t ever forget what I teach you.
3 When I was my father’s little boy and my mother’s dear son, 4 my father taught me this: “Pay attention to what I say. Obey my commands and you will have a good life. 5 Try to get wisdom and understanding. Don’t forget my teaching or ignore what I say. 6 Don’t turn away from wisdom, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will keep you safe.
7 “The first step to becoming wise is to look for wisdom, so use everything you have to get understanding. 8 Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Hold on to wisdom, and she will bring you honor. 9 Wisdom will reward you with a crown of honor and glory.”
10 Son, listen to me. Do what I say, and you will live a long time. 11 I am teaching you about wisdom and guiding you on the right path. 12 As you walk on it, you will not step into a trap. Even if you run, you will not trip and fall. 13 Always remember this teaching. Don’t forget it. It is the key to life, so guard it well.” Proverbs 4:1-13 ERV
Practical, sound advice.
The words above were only half of the chapter. Read the final verses in this chapter. Isn’t this what we all want to attain?
“Don’t bend the truth or say things that you know are not right. 25 Keep your eyes on the path, and look straight ahead. 26 Make sure you are going the right way, and nothing will make you fall. 27 Don’t go to the right or to the left, and you will stay away from evil.” Proverbs 4:24-27 ERV
We don’t need to be confused by the sign posts we encounter in life. We have a perfect and infallible GPS, we just need to follow it.
God’s Perfect Scriptures – GPS