Dava Sobel’s award-winning book Longitude describes a dilemma faced by
early sailors. They could readily determine their latitude north or south of
the equator by the length of the day or height of the sun. Calculating
east/west longitude, however, remained complex and unreliable until English
clockmaker John Harrison invented the marine chronometer. This was “a clock
that would carry the true time from the home port . . . to any remote corner of
the world,” thus enabling sailors to determine longitude.
As we navigate the seas of life, we also have a reliable source of
spiritual direction—the Bible. The psalmist wrote, “Oh, how I love Your law! It is
my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97). Rather than
occasionally glancing at God’s Word, he spoke of pondering the Lord’s
directions throughout each day: “Your testimonies are my meditation” (v.99).
This was coupled with a commitment to obey the Author: “I have sworn and
confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments” (v.106).
Like the mariners of old, we need a constant guide to help us find our
way and stay on course. That’s what happens when we seek the Lord day by day
with an open heart and a willing spirit that says, “Your word is a lamp to my
feet and a light to my path.”
With God as your navigator, you’re headed in the right direction. (RBC)
