Align Yourself
Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Isaiah 60:22, and Hebrews 13:8.
Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life. Deuteronomy 6:2
This past weekend, I tackled a small DIY project in our downstairs half bathroom. The difference a fresh coat of paint can make is amazing! That’s what my DIY projects consist of-painting with some redecorating, such as replacing a bathroom mirror. While I am not a builder (something that I would love to learn), I am aware of a tool used for construction and carpentry - a plumbline.
It's basically a string with a weight, often called a plumb bob, at the end. Holding the string so that the weight hangs freely allows it to point directly downward due to gravity, creating a straight vertical line. Back in the day, if a builder had a wall to build, you can bet that he would use a plumbline to make sure it stood upright, straight, and secure. Today, lasers and digital levels have become more popular with carpenters, but a plumbline can still be used to check to see if walls are vertically straight, to measure depth, or to align structures.
The plumbline is a visual tool that provides an unwavering standard. God’s plumbline, His Word, remains unchanged, and He calls us to align to it. This is a foundational tool for building our lives on a solid, firm foundation.
It provides us with a measuring stick for truth and righteousness. It helps us know where we’ve gone off course and helps us realign ourselves with God’s perfect will. His Word is unchanging, reliable, and foundational, guiding us to build lives that honor God.
Our Deuteronomy passage commands us to know His Word, to live by it, and to share it. I love the visual of wearing it on our forehead, binding it on our hands, and writing it on our doorposts. Stay inline with Scripture, remain aligned with Christ and His Word, and stand consistent and upright as a believer, a parent, a friend, a boss, a coworker, or whatever role you take on. We must ensure that we are vertically aligned with the Father before we can effectively align horizontally with others.
Interestingly enough, if you take the plum bob and gently swing it, the plumbline becomes a pendulum.
A pendulum swings in a predictable manner, never rushing, always in perfect timing. Similarly, God’s plan for us unfolds with precision. You may feel like you are caught in the swing of life, going through highs and lows, but we can trust that God is steady in His faithfulness. His timing is always perfect, and His love is constant, even when things feel uncertain. This truth is evident in our Isaiah verse for today.
A pendulum has two extremes, and life often does, too. The goal is to stay in the middle area and not live at one extreme or the other and to rely on God’s faithfulness. Knowing that Jesus is the same and does not change as outlined in Hebrews 13:8 is so reassuring and comforting.
Call to Action
Here are some practical steps to ensure you are aligned with Scripture. Can you think of others? Which one will you consider?
Read your Bible everyday. Use a reading plan. The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble is a fantastic option.
Memorize Scripture. A great verse to begin with is John 3:16.
Write verses on notecards or sticky notes to display on your bathroom mirror or car dash.
Pray Scripture.
Express verses creatively through journaling.
What steps will you take to ensure you are running in the middle and not in the extremes?
How can you live your life sure of God’s faithfulness, timing, and love?
Dig Deeper
Check out these additional verses about God’s Word: Matthew 7:24-25, Matthew 24:35, Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 4:12, Luke 11:28, and Colossians 3:16.
Prayer
Father, thank you for Your unchanging and reliable Word. Help us to treasure it and live by it. In the unstableness of life, help us to cling to You and Your steady faithfulness.
Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens