One of the most useful apps on my smart phone is the maps app. There are two elements to this app. There are maps that load via the internet as I go, and also the blue dot or arrow that shows me where I am on maps. When I go overseas, I don’t have access to the internet so when I open this app, all I see is the blue dot, I can even see it move as I move. The problem is, because I am offline, the maps don’t load so I have no idea where I am. I have found a way, however, to preload the maps so they are available to me when I am offline overseas. The knowledge that I have of God’s Word acts a little like this. As I go through life, trying to follow where God’s Spirit leads, I constantly find God’s Word orienting me. As I enter each experience, the map of scripture loads and shows me where I am and where to go. I say to myself, “Ah this is what Paul was talking about in this section of Romans,” or, “This is like the experience of Joseph when he was in prison.” If I had not preloaded the maps of scripture, I would not have been able to navigate through the experiences I have had. So, I continue to study God’s Word, as Psalm 119 encourages us to do, because I recognise the long-term benefit. Don’t just read the Bible for momentary inspiration. When you read and understand the scriptures it is like preloading a map that will enable you to find your way through life.
Ask God to light your path by his Word.
Read Psalm 119:105-112
