Most of us are familiar with the caution to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for new merchandise. It is wise to read the instruction booklet before operating a car, a major appliance, or an expensive piece of electronic equipment. Likewise, we can get the best results in life if we first refer to the instruction book God gave us. No one is better suited to give us directions on how to live than our creator, who painstakingly wrote an extensive manual that covers every situation we could ever encounter.

The Bible gives us everything we’ll ever need. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). The directions found within its pages teach us the proper attitudes and beliefs, give us guidelines for detecting sin and wrong ways of thinking, and provide the discipline we need to stay on God’s path for us. Following them produces excellent results.

Unlike ordinary books that can contain mistakes and misinformation, every word in the Scriptures is permanent and true. In a world where information constantly changes, this is very reassuring. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it” (Numbers 23:19, 20). God loves everyone, and he has spoken blessings over his followers. There is no changing this, no matter what we see or hear around us.  

Have you ever called the number listed on an owner’s manual to get help, only to learn that the warranty had expired and you were on your own? God is never like that. He promises to always be ready with assistance when we get frustrated and don’t know where to turn. “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-18, NKJV).

Our God, the one who made creation and all life in it, makes house calls with no appointment necessary! Not only did he send the Holy Spirit to help us through the rough spots, but he also reassures us that he’ll never leave us on our own (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8). It’s a guarantee that at some time or another we’ll face confusing situations, but the only way to tackle them successfully is to follow God’s instructions.

We can live life confidently when we faithfully follow the directions in our Bible. We gain this confidence, not by our own ingenuity or cleverness, but in Christ. We can be thankful that what we have isn’t just printed letters on a page, but the living word of God.