Direction and God's word

   In our desire to be in the 'right place' in life we can never separate direction from truth. There has to be an absolute standard regarding morality, values and wisdom. When you have multiple standards of 'right and wrong', you have confusion and uncertainty. When you cease to believe in where you're going, failure is the inevitable result. You must be sure of where you're going and confident in your purpose before you can ever expect to achieve any measure of success.

  In biblical history one of the most spectacular journeys of faith didn't begin very well for the nation of Israel. For a generation, in spite of great leadership, the people of God failed to get to where they were going. They had clear direction, desire and the Spirit was with them but they still failed to get to their 'promised land'. Just what went wrong?

  Due to a lack of sustained commitment to God, the majority of the first generation of God's people leaving Egypt died in the desert. Moses apprentice (Joshua) wound up with the task of finally taking the people into the place God had prepared for them. God spoke to Joshua clearly on how to get the job done and move into the promised place prepared for the people of God, "Be strong and courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this book of the law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua chapter 1, vs 7-9)

  When we commit ourselves to a life of obedience to God's revealed truth we don't ensure an easy road in life. We do ensure that we'll get to where we're supposed to go.... and we won't go alone. God's personality, desires, will and purpose are intimately connected with the written revelation we call the Bible. In 2 Timothy 3: 16 we hear the value of truth applied in every area of life, " All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong with our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right."

  If you don't know the word of God, you can't say that you know him....really. God isn't trying to hide from us. He is continually seeking us out in spite of our rebellion and hard hearts. When we begin to be open to truth, God does not hesitate to lavish us with a wisdom beyond ourselves. The Bible is meant to be an ongoing and always current love letter which continually nourishes, guides,  and brings life. Our need for direction in life is not totally resolved by education, career achievement or the counsel of family and friends. We need an eternal perspective. God wants to give us something beyond a mechanistic 'turn this way' counsel. He wants us to know him.... to love him... to walk with him. It's in the overflow of that relationship that we not only find our way.... we find ourselves....we find our purpose....we find life itself.

  Jesus had so much to say about what really satisfies in life. There are times in life when all our physical needs are met and yet on the inside there is a deep emptiness that haunts our minds and saps our strength. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus gives us some insight, "People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God."

  How familiar are you with the Bible? Do you understand it as a revelation of God' love to you? How much time are you spending seeking out a relationship with God through his word to you?  God has revealed pure love and truth through his word. Until we yield ourselves to an absolute standard, we're continually subject to the wrong directions issued by people with their own issues and agendas.

  It's time to yield to the word of God which calls us to a relationship that will always satisfy. A forever friend calls you to a forever place where you'll always be home. You'll never be lost again. Welcome home.

Jim