He will guide us forever
(Psalm 48:14)
A few years ago, my wife and I took a trip to Santee, South Carolina. During that time we went on a boat tour through an area of Lake Marion, named in honor of Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion. The majority of our sightseeing excursion was in the swamps where General Marion and his American militia lived and fought against the British army commanded by Cornwallis. General Marion’s swamp tactics contributed greatly in the defeat of Cornwallis and that of the Brits in the Revolutionary war.
As we proceeded deeper and deeper into the swamp area, it soon became quite understandable that a guide was essential for this tour. Not only could one easily become lost, but also this deceptively beautiful environment was home to large alligators and snakes; fallen trees jutted out from the waters and the reptiles lay on them blending in with the landscape. Our boat guide not only knew the way in and out of those foreboding swamplands, but he also knew how and where to keep a safe distance between us and those dangerous reptiles which were all around us.
The world in which we live is more dangerous than those swamplands of Lake Marion. All around us are dangers which lie in wait to attack us, devour and destroy us. We need a guide who knows where and what the dangers are. We need a guide who knows how to navigate safely around the many and varied dangers that are all around us. And, he must know how to protect us as we live our journeying life’s tour through this sin cursed world.
The good news for the Christian is that we have such a Guide. He is” our God for forever and ever. He will guide us forever.” (Psalm 48:14). He will guide us by the revelation of Himself; by the person and work of His Son; by His guide-book, the Bible; and He will guide us by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. These are the sources of His never failing, never misleading truths which will safely take us through our life’s journey, and safely take us home at last. The way is difficult and treacherous, but our Guide has passed this way Himself and will lead and navigate our way; none will be lost, drowned, or devoured.
Though dark be my way,
Since He is my Guide,
‘Tis mine to obey,
‘Tis His to provide
–John Newton