Most boats have this ridge, this spine, that goes from one end of the boat to the other. If everything’s going well, you may not think much about it. You stay on the top and it stays on the bottom, beneath the surface of the water. But it’s this unseen ridge, this keel, that helps keep your boat stable and on course as you paddle. Wind can blow, currents can pull, and a few degrees over time can send you from one bank to the other, or into the rocks or bushes, or even dumped over.

And just like this boat, we need a keel. God’s law is our personal keel. Without the secure guidelines of the Bible, we can find ourselves so far off course that it’s overwhelming to get back. The Bible says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” We can be pulled by the currents of our friends, swept away by entertainment, or even completely turned upside down by our own selfish desires. Going back every day to His word, our keel, helps us keep His laws and His way in our minds.

Develop a relationship with God by aligning your life with His word. Give it a shot. Read your Bible. Keep your life on course.