A Map That Is Never Outdated

A Map That Is Never Outdated

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11

We joke about men who won’t follow directions or read a map. I was one of those men until July 4, 1980, when Jesus said to me, “Why are you running from me? Your friends are here with me in paradise.”

On the day of my conversion from self-proclaimed atheism, Jesus told me that if I would stop running and start listening to him, he would show me the way home. Then he gave me a glimpse of my forever home in heaven, and it was more amazing and real than anything I’d ever experienced.

As a scientist and an atheist, I had been wandering in the desert, searching for the meaning of life. I didn’t know that I had the directions in front of me the whole time.

Even though I was an atheist at the time, my mother had sent me a Bible while I was in college. My family had been praying for their prodigal son to return to the faith I’d had as a child. The Bible they gave me was a reminder that God’s love would follow me no matter where I went.

I used the Bible often—but not for the purpose for which it was designed. Over the years, it had served as a nice bookend, a place mat, a coaster, and even a doorstop. Not until the evening of July 4, 1980, when I opened its pages and the promises of God poured out over me, did I realize it was the path I had been seeking.

Everything I wanted to know about life was contained in those sixty-six books, bound into a single volume. That night, and every day that followed, God promised to show me the way if I would just open his book. Now, thirty-five years later, God continues to direct my path every time I open his Word.

TODAY’S RX

Take a minute today to read God’s Word, trusting that he will use it to guide you, just as he did for me.

God, your Word is like a breath of fresh air, revitalizing my spirit and giving me strength. May I breathe in your wisdom and promises every day of my life.