My Global Positioning System (GPS) for Life

I recently taught a Sunday School lesson to a group of elementary kids about the significance of the Bible. One of the main points I wanted to emphasize was that the Bible serves as a guidebook for life. It acts as a map or GPS to assist individuals in making important life choices and decisions. The Bible offers direction.

Also, I wanted the kids to commit to reading their Bible regularly. The class was energetic, and the kids appeared distracted that day, so I am unsure if they “got it.” One day, they will remember. A seed planted today grows into something extraordinary in the future. Sunday School was a huge part of my life. As children, we rarely missed Sunday School. Almost every Sunday during devotions, the teachers would lead the class as we would recite Psalm 100. Memories.

Today, I looked at my Bible and thought, “The Bible has been my stay.” Perhaps, that is a weird statement to make about a book. Not, by definition, stay means to remain in the same place or to remain in a specified position or state. The Bible has been my anchor for my life in Christ. In a world where people, places, and things can appear to be sometimes inconsistent, wishy-washy, etc., my Bible is a constant source of stability, an anchor, and a rock in my life. When God speaks to me, I will write notes with dates in the margins. When I am reading something, and I do not understand, or I am questioning why God allowed this situation to occur in the Bible, I will pray and ask God to open my understanding. He always gives me an answer, and I understand. I love this book.

If you want to know, and understand the character and personality of God, spend time reading your Bible. You will be surprised; God is consistent (the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual). You can learn God’s voice through studying and reading his Word. John 10:27 reads, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” When you know the voice of God, you will listen to His voice and obey.

“I have hidden the Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 NIV) The word “hidden” comes from the Hebrew word “צָפַן ṣāpan,” and it means to store the Word of God in your heart as though it is a treasured possession. The Hebrew translation for the word heart is “לֵב lēb”; heart means the inner person, self, the seat of thought and emotion; conscience, mind or understanding.”

So, I have stored the Word of God in my innermost conscience like a treasured possession so that I will not sin against God. When we hide God’s Word in our hearts, we automatically want to obey it. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15 NIV)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn [an oath] and have confirmed it that I will keep Your righteous ordinances. I am greatly afflicted; renew and revive me [giving me life], O Lord, according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:105-107 AMP)

When I looked at this verse a little closer, I discovered that the word “lamp” used in this passage comes from the Hebrew word “נִיר ner.” In the Old Testament, a lamp is fueled by olive oil. In the Bible, olive oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. I thought, “WOW,” the Holy Spirit operates in my life like fuel guiding my path, enabling me to keep and obey His Word.

I could write another blog just focusing on how the Holy Spirit operates as a Guide in the life of the Christian. That is a blog for another day. John 16:13 reads, “But when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

The Holy Spirit and the Bible, your Global Positioning System (GPS) for Life…