PSALM 119:133
During the period of great sea exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, ship pilots used several navigation techniques – including a book called a “rutter” (not the “rudder,” the ship’s steering device). The rutter is a mariner’s handbook of sailing directions written by earlier voyagers. Before the advent of nautical charts, rutters were the primary store of geographic information for maritime navigation. By reading the sailing details in a rutter, one could avoid hazards and make it through difficult waters.
The Christian life is like a voyage, and the believer needs help in navigating life’s hazardous seas. We have that help because God has given us His Word as a “spiritual rutter.”
As we reflect on the teachings in the Bible, we will be reminded of God’s past care, assured of the His guidance in difficult circumstances, and warned against evil-doing. That is the advantage of having a “spiritual rutter.”
So, make sure you read the rutter before you turn the rudder!
* Lord, help us to make Your Word our map and Your Spirit our compass, so we can stay on course in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
