Life's Instruction Book

How can a young man keep his way
pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my
heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your
mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your percepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word (Psa 119:9-16)

Oftentimes, though, many of us set that manual aside, opting to use our own instincts instead. After hours of frustrating attempts, we may finally turn to the instruction book, which the manufacturer intended us to use from the start.

In life, the Bible is our guidebook. But how often do we place it aside and lean on our own understanding, instead of trusting God's design for how we should live? The consequences are far more devastating than a few wasted hours trying to build a train set or program a television. Failure to heed the Bible's instructions can lead to broken relationships, failed careers, poor finances, and a directionless life in general.

The Lord blessed us with this instruction manual for a number of reasons. First, He desires to instruct us on how to live a godly life. Second, He wants us to know Him more intimately. And third, He wants to prevent sin in our lives.

Psalm 119:9 says we can keep our way pure by "living according to word" (niv). As we read His "instruction book" each day, the Holy Spirit works in our heart, and we grow closer to the Lord. Then, life's daily trials will seem less daunting because we'll have the truth of Scripture to guide us.

In Christ