October 8, The Compass
Proverbs 3:1, "My son, do not forget my teaching."
I remember being underwater around 40 to 50 feet. My instructor was completing another portion of my advanced certification for scuba diving. Up to this point through all the intervals of training, I had experienced each training exercise with the support of an instructor or fellow diver right beside me. But on this particular exercise, the training involved underwater navigation. And, my challenged was to swim off the underwater platform, away from my instructor and my two dive buddies, following nothing but the compass on my wrist. For the first time, I was to swim away from the instructor. On this particular outing, the water in the dive lake was murky and visibility was less than 10 feet, meaning that I was completely dependent upon the small instrument on my wrist. Now, out of the water and on dry land, navigation has never been a problem. But, at the bottom of a mirky dive lake with very little visibility, navigation was intimidating to say the least. But, off I swam, alone. Following the needle of my compass and counting my kick strokes. The attempt was to complete a square shaped direction with four right turns that would lead me directly back to the dive platform, and to my dive group. Sounds easy, right? Hardly.
Within seconds of this attempt, I was alone. Or so it seemed that way. But, I kept my eye on the compass. Having counted the kick strokes that were required I changed the course as earlier instructed, but I kept my eye on the compass. The process continued. Visibility continued to be very poor. And because of many divers in the water that day, the silt on the bottom of the lake had been stirred. By now in my exercise, visibility began to decrease even more. But I kept counting my kick strokes and continued to keep my eyes on the compass. Another turn, and then another.
“Keeping my eyes on the compass.” This was the challenge. Although the water was murky, the water was not the challenge; keeping my eye on the compass was the challenge . Physical exertion was not the challenge; keeping my eye on the compass was the challenge. Remembering directional degrees that I would use to make my turns was not the challenge; maintaining focus on the compass was.
Proverbs 3:1-2 instructs us toward that which is even more reliable than a compass:
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.”
When the Word of God becomes the utmost in our thinking and devotion, His Word will guide us in every situation. We will then become benefitted by God’s direction for our lives and for our daily steps. Oh, how desperately we need to daily focus upon God’s Word. For, His Word brings not only direction, but “length of days and years of life, and peace.” These Hebrew phrases simply and powerfully promise meaningfulness, safety, and certainty. So, do not forget God’s truth and the teaching that we receive from His Word.
Why daily devotions? Why scheduled teaching series? Why small groups and discipleship encounters? Why research the Scriptures? Why read books on the Christian faith? The answer remains simple: we need to keep our eyes on God’s compass. His Word. His truths. For, His truths demonstrate His purpose and plans for us revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.
The ultimate challenge is not the difficulty facing you, nor the uncertainty through which you must journey. The real challenge is not even the fear that you sometimes wrestle with or the doubts that can sometimes invade your life. The real challenge is keeping your eyes on God’s compass, His Word.
I made it safely back to the dive platform that day. Although at the bottom of a mirky dive lake, and although pressed by the feeling of having to navigate on my own, the exercise was successful because I was able to simply keep my eye on the compass.
Today, God’s Word will guide you. But you must keep your eyes focused there. Do not forget His teachings.
Blessings.
READ
Read Proverbs 3:1-6 and be encouraged with God’s compass for life.
