Waymarks

I think that most of us aren’t that fond of regulations. Life is so full of what we call ‘red tape’. Laws seem so restrictive. And, if we’re honest, we can begin to feel the same about God’s laws, so clearly set out in the Scriptures. We live in a world that has, by and large, abandoned godly standards and in which even those who profess a Christian faith have adopted a ‘pick and choose’ approach to God’s commandments – keeping them can be a bit uncomfortable, so that’s the easy option.

David’s not like that. He lifts his hands to God’s commands; he loves them, and he meditates on them.

We often read in the Bible of people lifting up their hands. It’s an expression of worship. But it also expresses dependence, as children lift up their hands for security, to be picked up or to be given something. Come to think of it, true worship is an expression of dependence on God.

When we used to walk in the mountains of Europe, we were very dependent on the red and white waymarks painted on the rocks. I remember once being in a huge area of nothing but limestone crags and boulders. We couldn’t see any waymarks. If we’d spent time searching for the next mark, we’d have been OK. But we didn’t bother. We thought we knew the rough (in every sense) direction. It was awful! Clambering over boulders, desperately trying to find a route down to the road. I think, in the end, we must have added about ten miles to our walk! We had stopped relying on, being dependent on, the waymarks and lost our way. That explains why I love waymarks.

And it’s why David loves God’s commands. If he sticks to them, he won’t go astray – he won’t get lost. And, if he’s unsure, he’ll spend time searching for God’s way.

Maps are vital, too. Before setting out, we’d take a good look at the map. I’d do my best to memorise the route and significant features. I had, so to speak, meditated on it before we set out.

God’s laws, so clearly set out in the Scriptures are God’s ‘map’ for safe, fruitful travel along life’s journey. And, as we come to places where we have to make decisions about which way to go, how to respond, how to navigate a difficult relationship, they provide us with clear ‘waymarks’.

The same Holy Spirit, who inspired the Scriptures, writes God’s laws in our hearts. As we listen to Him, he opens up the map and opens our eyes to the waymarks, saying, This is the way, walk in it (Isaiah 30:21).