A constant companion

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. — Psalm 119:33

When my wife and I are preparing for a trip, one of the first things we do is get out the road atlas. We study it intensely to learn the best routes, determine the number of miles we’ll have to travel, pick out interesting places to visit, decide how far we can get in a day, and estimate expenses. On the journey, the atlas is our constant companion, and we consult it many times a day. We couldn’t get along without it.

For Christians, the Bible is an atlas for their spiritual journey, but it is much more. It is described as: sweeter than honey (Ps. 19:10; 119:103); a lamp (Ps. 119:105); rain and snow (Isa. 55:10, 11); a fire (Jer. 23:29); a hammer (Jer. 23:29); water (Eph. 5:26); a sword (Eph. 6:17); solid food (Heb. 5:12); a mirror (James 1:23); milk (1 Peter 2:2).

Like the highway traveler, we as Christians are on a long and sometimes hazardous journey. We face many decisions and will have many needs on our pilgrimage to paradise. The Bible has been given to us to help us make those decisions and to meet those needs. It should be our constant companion — studied diligently and consulted often along the way. We can’t do without it. — Dave Egner

I have a companion, a dear, faithful friend.

A union of blessing that never shall end;

Till Jesus returns with His saints from on high

We’ll travel together, my Bible and I. — Anon.

READ: Psalm 119:129-136

The Bible is like a compass — it always points the believer in the right direction.

The Bible in one year:

• Genesis 46-48

• Matthew 13:1-30