Direction From God
It is incredible to me that man often tries to navigate life on his own, failing to consider that God has provided the “direction” for all of life. This is true for day-to-day living as well as the way in which we are to worship and serve God. Have we ever considered that we were not “left alone” when it comes to life and even how we are to worship? We are told in 2Peter 1:3 that we have direction. God has provided everything we need for life and how to live it. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: This “direction” was not derived through the mind of man, nor did God leave man to his own devices when it comes to life or worship.
Man cannot afford to “forget God” and His instruction for man in all the areas of man’s life. The Spirit directed the penman to record the Words of Bildad, one of the friends/accusers of that suffering servant Job. It was evident, even in the midst of Job’s agony that even Bildad was aware that man wasn’t left to decide and determine our own paths. In Job 8:11-14 we read: Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water? 12 Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. 13 So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish: 14 Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.
Unbeknownst to Job, he was in a battle against an unseen enemy. His very survival depended upon his reliance in God and all His blessings for man. Job walked in the way of truth. In Job 13:15-16 we see Job’s attitude. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. 16 He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. Job knew because he faithfully served God. He was not alone.
Have we considered this in our lives? We also face an unseen enemy daily. Our worship to God, in addition to our dedication toward daily reading and studying God’s Word should alert us regarding that enemy of the soul and also remind us that we needn’t fight that battle alone. If we truly worship in “spirit and in truth” as directed in God’s Word, we will be strengthened and be better equipped for this journey called life.
Perhaps this was the mindset of my wife’s father so many years ago when he wrote the poem below. Every day as we face the trials, tribulations, and even persecutions that come our way, we need to be reminded that God has given us the direction we need for life. We are not alone. God gave us His Son and His Word so we can be victorious. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Corinthians 15:57)
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
Not Alone
Just now my mind goes wandering down the path to Mem’ry’s lane,
And, in my mind, for just a moment, I’m a child again.
In fondest reminiscence I am thinking of the past,
Especially days of innocence, which weren’t designed to last.
But, ah, how could I chart the course of life that lay ahead,
How could I make direction, by what source to be led?
Inhabiting a planet with the miles and miles of space,
Is like a child, or a small insect, lost without a place.
The Grand Artificer arranged that we not live alone.
And consequently, none should try to make it on their own.
He even wrote a book that covers every phase of life,
Which tells us how to live and serve, and conquer sin and strife.
And yet, a man will risk it all, and on his own decide,
He seals his doom and destiny, perhaps because of pride.
It’s obviously intentional that Truth is not his end,
Because of pre-commitment, it’s theory he defends.
A highway, and a way is there, a trav’ler though a fool,
Can understand and need not err, in following the Rule.
Bewilderment, confusion, deception are our own,
But are impossible unless, we try to walk alone.
I’m glad to say, long years ago, a friend gave me that Book,
The more I read It, I’m convinced, there’s no place else to look.
It’s all I need, it’s true indeed, un-mixed with human creeds,
The Holy Word of God alone, provides for every need.
O.D. Wilson - deceased
