When you’re not sure what comes next in life, it’s important to have a place to talk things through and hear different perspectives. For many of us, friends, family members, mentors, and trusted experts can play that part. But we also have access to the wisdom of Scripture.
In the following excerpt from the CSB (in)Courage Devotional Bible (p. 828), Simone Owens brings together the personal warmth and wisdom of the Bible to remind us of the place we can always turn to with our concerns.
When You Need to Know Where to Turn
Psalm 119:66
Growing up in a Christian home, I always attended Sunday School and youth group. When I moved to Texas for college, I found myself in a new city, at a new school, and with new people. I knew I wanted to make the most of my time there, so I visited different churches until I found the one I could call home.
To be honest, I was nervous because, up to this point, I had always trusted my mom’s opinion, and she wasn’t there to guide me. I had to learn how to discern which church would help me grow in my personal relationship with God. At the same time, it was exciting! I felt very grown up making a decision that I knew would influence me during my time in college, and boy did it ever! I joined a Life Group with other college students, and all these years later, I’m still connected to the community of friends I made there.
One of the biggest things I learned while away at college was how to discern what I valued in my life. We make choices every day on what to believe, how to live, and with whom to spend our time. Each choice we make affects the next choice, which impacts the direction of our lives.
Psalm 119 points us to the Word, which shows us how to be faithful in our pursuit of the One who loves us, especially when the road ahead is unknown. I love the lines that talk about delighting in His instructions and praising Him for His faithfulness in our unknown circumstances. Psalm 119 prompts us to converse with God, to learn from God, and to share with others what God has taught us.
God’s Word is the ultimate source of knowledge. His Word teaches us how to make decisions that will honor God. We are always able to spend time with the God who created everything and everyone and listen to His voice. It is His voice that leads us toward the path of righteousness. He will make Himself known in our lives as we open our hearts to learn from Him.
No person—in your life or mine—could guide us better than the God who created us. He invites us to boldly ask for the tools we need to live the best life He has set before us. When we need to know where to turn, we can always turn to Him and His Word.
You can pick up your copy of the CSB (in)Courage Devotional Bible today. With two new covers, including Bourdeaux LeatherTouch and Sage LeatherTouch, be encouraged by devotions rooted in the real-life experiences of more than one hundred members of the (in)courage community!
