Teach Me Your Waze

"Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end." Psalms 119:33 (NIV)

My mind wanders a lot! I wake up in the middle of the night thinking I shouldn't have eaten those cookies, worry about my kids, and then end up wondering if I locked the side door. I can spend hours trying to solve the world's problems from my pillow.

My daily life can also feel like I'm going down a rabbit trail. I waste precious time watching TV, searching the web, or scrolling through social media. I go to the kitchen to empty the dishwasher, and I see the unopened mail, which reminds me that I need to make a doctor's appointment. The first sparkly thing I see distracts me from what is essential, and after it tarnishes, I'm off course.

So, why do I feel empty and without direction? Then it hits me. When was the last time I spent a significant amount of time praying? Did I ever finish that Bible study I started? How am I doing with reading God's Word?

In that moment, the Holy Spirit whispers to me, "How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?" Proverbs 1:22 (NIV).

“How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simple-minded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?”

Proverbs 1:22 NLT

We can't expect to go through our day without instruction. It will end up aimless and futile. It's like driving somewhere new without a map app like Waze and getting lost.

In Psalms 119:37, King David revealed his need for focus by praying, "Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word."

David and I have this wandering habit, and I'm guessing you do too. Often, I reach the end of my day and realize I haven't accomplished anything.

My prayer for you and me is that we will seek knowledge and wisdom from God each day. It's essential to take a moment and realize that God is walking with us and is waiting for us to seek Him for direction.

Before I get caught up in the latest reality TV show or waste hours searching the web, I need to spend time seeking input from my Heavenly Father. You may need to take time with Him in the middle of doing laundry or preparing meals. Or those who work outside the home can pause during lunch to connect with God and His Word.

Let's dig into His decrees so we can stay on the right path and finish the race in the arms of our loving Father. Remember that He is there, ready to lead us. To paraphrase David, "teach me, Father, your ways, that I may follow them throughout my days."