Stay on Course
Have you ever felt off course? I know I have. When I have felt off course I know at some point there was a loss of connection and somehow, somewhere, there was a disconnect spiritually. Often times when there is a disconnect with God our path in life consequentially takes a detour. We cannot stay on course if we do not stay connected in God’s word.
Connection with God not only directs our course in life but it also brings BLESSING.
It says in Psalm 119:1-16
“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me. How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my hear so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it.”
This scripture is like a GPS for our lives as we connect with God and live a life following His ways that make it possible to stay on course with Him.
When the world seems OFF COURSE you can still remain ON COURSE. I feel like this is a word for this season that we are in.
As children of the King, we have the Word of God to direct us, speak to us, fill us, and renew us. The Word of God is not shaped by the world’s circumstances, rather it has the power to shape the circumstances in the world.
The world is groaning for the return of our King Jesus because there is a loss of connection with the Creator. Sin causes a separation between man and God. When there is a disconnect there most likely is a sin issue.
I am so thankful for the grace of God that says “I long for connection with you” Let me encourage you today that God’s grace is a table that you can always find a seat at and receive what He has prepared for you. There is a seat for YOU. There is a BLESSING for YOU. You might be asking the question right now, “are you sure it’s for me? I’m sure I’m the exception…” My answers for you today are…
1. YES! Grace is for you.
2. No, you are not the exception. You are chosen.
3. Because He loves you. He will always love you.
When we receive God’s grace and forgiveness we can then begin our journey on course with Him. We read in Psalms 119 “That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set”
We see a direct connection that when God’s sons and daughters choose to walk straight along the path God has planned He provides the tools and directions how to stay on course.
As we read the Word of God we see that the Lord’s counsel, wisdom, righteousness, promises, training, and love are the things that guide our lives as we pray and stay on course with Jesus.
God desires for each one of us to stay on the course He has planned for our lives which is guided by His word. We can only stay on course when our eyes are fixed on Jesus and our hearts fully surrendered to Him.
I believe that in the very season we are in right now, God’s sons and daughters are going to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of living as they stay on course in a world that is off course.
God’s Word will be evident and seen in the lives of His children as we press on and remain steadfast in a world that is groaning, lost, and divided.
We must hold on.
We must stay on course.
We must align with the Word.
We must be the light in the world.
This week as you go to work, volunteer, or stay at home take some time to pray and ask the Lord to direct you to someone you can encourage, pray with or for and or possibly minister to.
If you are reading this and you are the one who needs to be ministered to and receive prayer, I encourage you to reach out to someone you trust and or someone who is spiritual leader in your life so that they can pray with you. We need connection with each other to be able to help one another in seasons when we feel off course.
It is vital to connect. We are created to connect.
The hope I leave with you today is…
When the world seems OFF COURSE we can still remain ON COURSE when we are connected and aligned with the word of God.
Stay on Course. Stay Connected
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bethany Marshall was born in Long Island, New York. She grew up as a pastor and missionary kid living in 3 different states, and has also lived overseas in Kingston, Jamaica. Bethany currently resides with her husband Micah in Altoona, Pennsylvania along with their bouncy boxer, Timber. Bethany enjoys drinking good coffee, shopping for good deals, and has loved pickles since she was a little girl. She is the author of children’s book, Pickles and Prayer, and serves as a part of PennDel Women Dream Team.