Funnily enough, since the map project started, maps have been cropping up everywhere, it seems! A book I am reading (‘The Road Less Traveled’, by Scott Peck) talked about life being like a series of maps and just as maps become outdated over time as new roads and buildings are constructed, so too our lives are not static and we cannot assume that things will always stay the same but have to adapt and grow. (“If our maps are to be accurate, we have to continually revise them. The world itself is constantly changing.”)
Then I was struck by how the Bible talks about itself as being like a map to guide us on life’s journey. The Message version of Psalm 119 in particular makes this very clear:
“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.” (Ps 119:1-3)
“How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.” (Ps 119:9-10)
“Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation; I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner.” (Ps 119:29-30)
“God charts the road you take.” (Ps 1:6)
It seems that maps have plenty to teach us! May we not only use the prayer map to pray for the streets of Goldthorpe, but may we also allow God’s Word to be the map that directs and guides our lives.