Self-Correcting Guidance

Psalm 25:1-11

          With the drive to invent and perfect self-driving cars and the rise of robots in some parts of the world, Japan in particular, there are some who see humans on the verge of being taken over by robots. They will replace and have replaced some factory workers. No union negotiations needed! They have replaced information booth people and concierge services with a computer kiosk. Google has taken over the reference librarian’s job. Physical maps are almost a thing of the past, so there go those jobs.

          The one thing about the self-driving cars that we need to know is that they are constantly collecting data from the outside world in order to do their job. They are connected to satellites to know exactly where they are on the road. They collect distance data from all the other objects around them so that they don’t bump into other cars and people. When traffic slows, they slow. They may be self-driving, but they certainly aren’t independent. They need input and lots of it.

          Our writer tells us about his sources of input. He lets us in on where he finds direction and wisdom to navigate his world. And that source is the LORD. And that navigation starts with plugging into Him. Putting our trust in Him is the orienting anchor. The LORD acts like the navigational GPS; our connection to Him keeps us moving in the right direction. Without trust, we will keep grabbing the wheel and overriding His will for our lives. We have to let go and trust that He knows what He is doing, that He has the best in store for us, that things are not out of His control. We must trust that shame is not coming our way if we follow Him. Shame is a very powerful motivation to avoid things. Shame can paralyze us. With Him, there is no shame in our future.

          Our writer then asks for specific instructions, specific input from the LORD for his journey. He needs his map updated. He wants to have the LORD teach him the paths of life, to guide and direct. This is not a onetime event. This is constant, interactive and engaging communication.

          Can you imagine if your GPS voice caught an attitude when you didn’t follow its directions? You miss a few times and then it starts to call you names and insulting your intelligence. The more you ignore it, the worse it gets. It wouldn’t be long before it would be pitched out the window.

          Our writer wants the LORD to guide him based on his current relationship with the LORD and not on his past history. He wants mercy and love rather than what he deserves. Isn’t that what you want? I like mercy and love!

          We often look on instruction as a negative thing, don’t we? But the LORD’s character requires instruction. Not only do sinners need instruction, like how to start a relationship with the LORD, but every person needs to know His way. Humility is the starting point of all instruction. If we think we know it all, we certainly don’t think we need anyone telling us anything. Humble people are ready and willing to accept the influence of others. So knowing that the LORD is loving and faithful makes it easy to listen to His instruction.

          And humility recognizes the need for forgiveness, not just when we begin our journey of faith, but as an ongoing process of our faith. Are you ready to take a course offered by the LORD?

Veto Power

Proverbs 16:9

      The power to veto a decision can keep things in balance. The buck has to stop somewhere. Someone has to be responsible for decisions being made. It can’t always be someone else’s fault. Psychiatrists have a name for people who always point the finger in other people’s direction. They are called Narcissists. Unfortunately, some politicians are Narcissists.

      Most of us want to have some stability in our lives. We want and need some sense of control. This control often gets expressed in the plans that we think about and make. We really are planning creatures.

      Some people have been so hurt by past experiences that they feel the need to control everything they can. Often those who grow up in chaotic households, like homes with alcoholic parents, grab as much control as they can. That is because there was so much they couldn’t control as a kid. To provide themselves with safety they turn to controlling the smallest details, because the big items in life were crazy out of control.

      But even the most well-grounded of us makes plans. Sometimes our plans are to have no plans! We plan for vacations. We plan for a wedding. We plan for retirement.

      One thing we need to remember: the LORD has veto power in our lives. If we are submitting to Him, we give Him the right to change things around. He will establish our steps. He is the one that lays out the path, and it is up to us to walk it.

      The earlier we can get in line with His steps, the easier it will be to walk. If our plans are constantly being course-corrected by being in tune with Him, then the changes to our plans will be relatively minor ones. We will be listening and obeying.