This is how we find our true north”

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Selfcare”

Our Bible verse for today: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word. I have sought you will all my heart; don’t let me wander from your commands. Psalm 119:9-10 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “This is how we find our true north”

In recent days in this devotional series, we have been thinking about priorities, focus, simplicity, and even downsizing for selfcare and to achieve a better quality of life. But how do we get there from here? I mean, we live in a loud, chaotic, demanding world filled with responsibilities, pressures, distractions, and many competing demands for our time and attention. How do we filter through all of that, distill it, eliminate the superfluous and unhelpful, and somehow achieve that better quality of life?

Recently I came across an interesting observation about the nation of Israel in Old Testament times that seems to speak about our society as well. It was from the editors of the “Experiencing God Study Bible” and it was part of the introduction to the book of Ezra. Here’s what they observed about Israel in those days:

“About 458 B.C, almost a century after the first return from Babylonian exile, Israel looked for identity and hope as they struggled with worship without meaning, daily living without focus, and a nation without identity, ruled by foreigners. Ezra called God’s people to find meaning and hope in renewed worship, dedication to obey God’s commandments, and separation from pagan influences. The book of Ezra seeks to encourage an indifferent community of God to find new life in their worship of God and obedience to His word, as they forged a unique identity as the people of God.”

That’s pretty good advice for us too. As Christians, many of us are lost in a world of noise and distraction, and it is killing us. It is draining away our spiritual vitality and leaving us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually empty. But the answer for us is the same as it was for them: Return to God. As the editors also noted, “The world lures God’s people into doing things the world’s ways rather than God’s. The Bible presents God’s unchanging standard for his people.”

That’s it right there. The Bible, along with a vibrant practice of our faith, is our true north. That’s what the Psalmist meant in Psalm 119:9-10 and that is what will keep us headed in the right direction rather than getting lost in a confusing and dangerous world.

This is important and there’s more that needs to be said about it, so we will continue this discussion tomorrow but for now, I encourage you to take care of yourself by spending time in God’s Word first thing this morning. It will help to keep your focused and headed in the right direction all throughout the day.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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