This Endless Journey to Handle God’s Word Correctly

When I'm driving somewhere new, Apple Maps is a good friend to have along. This amazing technology provides directions and an estimated arrival time. I like the way Maps eliminates questions over the best route to take. I turn where the directions tell me to turn, and I'll know they were accurate when I arrive at my desired destination.

When life throws out a confusing issue, and I'm not sure what direction to take, where do I turn for guidance, and how do I know I'm getting the right answer — is there an Apple Maps for life?

God's Word serves as a type of “Apple Maps.” I like to filter life through it, especially those things that bother me or cause me to get emotionally stuck. I like to pray Scriptures and "turn" where the Word tells me to turn. Scripture tells us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ESV). His Word gives us directions for life.

But how do we know for sure that we’re applying the truth of His Word correctly and making the right decisions?

There are ways to help confirm the accurate use of His Word: by the peace the Holy Spirit gives, by cross-referencing Scripture, by checking reputable commentaries, proven dictionaries, respected Bible teachers, biblical counsellors, Christian mentors, etc. The resources are unlimited.

When a life issue is met with the truth of God's Word, peace replaces the irritableness and indecision. Sometimes finding those nuggets of wisdom involves a long process of discovery. It can take years. Other times, the Lord sheds light on a passage and there is immediate insight, like, "Oh, why didn't we see that before?!"

We’ll never fully understand His Word, but the intrigue keeps us trying. There's always another stone to uncover. Always another cross-reference to consider and another layer of the story to peel back. The mysteries of God and His unfathomable nature keep us curious.

He is God. We are not.

We’ll never have full understanding of God's Word in this life. We’ll never come to the end of asking questions or the end of looking for answers. But, we will come to Him one day and therein will be the answer to all our questions.

We will have arrived at our desired destination.

Until then, pray to be faithful to “Present yourself to God as one approved . . .” (II Timothy 2:15 NIV) and to share the gleanings with others.

Lord, help us to apply the Word correctly. To not twist it to mean what we want it to mean, but to listen to what You're saying through it. Give us eyes to see truth, ears to hear wisdom, and a heart to follow Your guidance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

What, or who do you turn to when you need guidance on an issue? We’d love to hear your thoughts below!

(This post was published in its original form on Beside Quiet Waters, December 2025.)

Patty Perkins is the Discipleship Coordinator for Humble Faith Ministries and the author of Prayer: Inviting the Lord Into Everyday Life. She enjoys long walks with her husband and gathering friends and family around her kitchen table. She and her husband love living back home in Kentucky and are grateful for their growing family. They have two grown sons who are married and two grandchildren they adore.