The Journey - Pt. 1

 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word! Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your rules. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end. (Psalm 119:105-112 ESV).

 

I must confess that I am beginning to feel the “covid fatigue.” As much as I love being at home, I am beginning to feel a bit of frustration at not being able to get on the road an explore more of our country. I want to travel to see our children and grandchildren who live in Washington DC and Florida. I want to go west, across old Route 66. I want to go back to New England to see the fall foliage. I want to head up to the northwest to visit the national parks in those states. However, without having the vaccine we are still in a waiting pattern. That does not mean I am doing nothing. I have enlisted the help of some wonderful folks who have made an incredible study of Route 66. They have taken the trip several times and she is a wealth of information!

 

I’m a list-maker. I like to have a plan for even the shortest journeys. This is also true in my spiritual life. According to Psalm 119, we have been given a road map and a user’s guide for our journey, the Scripture. It offers some of the most essential information for every part of our life. You might say it is our “turn-by-turn” road map. Our reading says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (v. 105). If ever there was a time for such a map, it is now. So, for the next few days I hope to lead us through some of the basics of the trip.

 

Let’s begin from “home.” The first decision is to decide where we want to go. Well, there are really only two ultimate destinations. According to the Scripture we are either going to heaven or hell after this life’s journey is finished. That’s the final destination. So, let’s get that decision off the table. Heaven is where I want to end. That can only happen through the work of Christ. Trust Him as the Holy Spirit draws you ever nearer to eternal life, take his hand and walk with Him. He knows the way and will get you there (cf. John 14:1-6). Next, commit yourself to reading the Scripture throughout your days. We need to learn to read the Bible not merely for daily devotions but also as God’s road map for our lives. God does not leave us to stumble around in darkness. Turn to God’s Word every day, because it is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. By doing this, you’re ready to pack the car and start down the road!