Avoiding the Rocks
Thy word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
As the story goes, there was once an officer in the navy who always dreamed of commanding a battleship. He finally achieved that dream and was given command of the newest and proudest ship in the fleet.
One stormy night, as the dreadnought plowed through heavy seas, the captain himself was on duty on the bridge when off to the port side he spotted a faint light that appeared to be on a collision course with his vessel.
He immediately ordered his signalman to send this message: “We see your light. Alter your course 10 degrees south.”
Promptly a return message was received: “We see yours as well. Alter YOUR course 10 degrees north.”
The proud officer was incredulous that his command had been ignored! So, he promptly fired off a second message: “Alter your course 10 degrees south – I am a Captain!”
The response came immediately: “Alter YOUR course 10 degrees north. I am a Seaman Third Class.”
The captain, now furious, sent a third message, confidently anticipating the awe it would invoke: “Alter your course 10 degrees south – I am a battleship!”
The reply came, “Alter YOUR course 10 degrees north – I am a lighthouse.”
A Light to My Path
Do you think that captain changed his course? You bet he did!
But before he changed his course, he had to change his attitude.
He had to admit he was wrong and that he needed more navigational assistance than he had originally thought. The light he first believed to be a challenge to his freedom was in reality a warning for his safety.
As with that lighthouse, so with the Bible. In speaking of the Scripture, the psalmist says, “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.”
Like the battleship captain, we think we can make our way forward without assistance or interference. But that’s a dangerous conclusion. Even the best of us can take some very foolish and potentially fatal steps.
Fortunately, we have a totally trustworthy source available – a source that has helped countless voyagers successfully navigate the sea of life.
In the Bible we have a totally trustworthy source available – a source that has helped countless voyagers successfully navigate the sea of life.
While at times we may chafe at what the Bible calls us to do or not do, in reality, it’s a gift. A gift that can in fact keep us off the rocks.
I encourage you to consult it regularly and to submit to it humbly. You will be so glad you did.
PRAYER
Lord, I am so grateful for the inspired, inerrant Word of God. It has never proven to be anything less than the perfect guide for navigating life. Help me to continually seek it for guidance and direction. And when it challenges my plans, may I defer to its wisdom.
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