Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.—Psalm 119:133
I remember the days before there was GPS. I would order road maps from AAA, or purchase a Thompson Map. I would study the map to get a clear idea of how to reach my destination. In every situation, the road map got me to where I needed to be. However, with the advent of the GPS, I can plug in my desired destination, and with voice and map navigation, I have a much more enhanced means to get there. So, when I need to go somewhere, the first thing that comes to mind is to use my GPS! Today, we are encouraged by a navigation tool that has never failed: God’s Word! We are encouraged to use our GPS!
1. We Must Consider the Uncertain Perils
Life without the Word of God is a perilous maze with hidden pits, traps, dead ends, and disappointing destinations. There are many voices whispering in our ears to take a path that looks appealing, but only leads to disaster. Proverbs 14:12 tells us, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” There are many people who make it their business to tell us which road to be on, but do not tell us the potential perils along the way. Remember any path you take that is not prescribed by God’s Word is filled with uncertain perils.
2. We Must Consider the Unpretentious Prayer
The psalmist prayed, “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” This is a narrow prayer. In this prayer, he is specifically asking God to guide his steps in God’s Word. He is trusting God to lead him in the right direction.
William Carey claimed Isaiah 54:2–3, “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.” In claiming this promise, he knew without any shadow of doubt that God was leading him to spend his life as a missionary to the country of India. Jim Elliot prayed for God to give him clear direction in taking the gospel to Ecuador to a tribal people who had never heard the gospel. As he waited on the Lord, the Lord gave him Exodus 23:20, “Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.” This is a faith prayer.
When we pray for God to order our steps through His Word, we are putting complete faith in God’s direction. It is letting the Lord know we are not putting our faith and trust in our feelings, or the unsound counsel of the world.
3. We Must Consider the Upright Path
David desired that no iniquity would have dominion over him. He desired God’s face to shine upon him. He had an insatiable longing for God’s Word. In short, he did not want to stray off the path God had for him. His circumstances were so stressful he did not want to make a judgment call that would lead to his injury or hurt. He remembered making decisions outside of God’s Word and the disasters that led to. He did not want to fall into sin, be misled, or try to proceed without God’s favor upon him. He had a guided path. He had a godly path. He had a goodly path.
The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.—Proverbs 4:18b
Use your GPS! It has never failed anyone before and will not fail you now. Lay out your life before God, open His Word, listen to His voice, and follow the path He gives you.
