Directionally Challenged
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“If you go the wrong way – to the left or to the right – you will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the right way. You should go this way.” Isaiah 30:21
A client called a few minutes before her appointment and said she was lost. Her GPS took her somewhere other than my office. She had been to my office numerous times but always used GPS to get there. Once I realized where she was, I could direct her to my office. She was directionally challenged – not knowing which way was north or south. She knew left or right and was able to turn left and find my street.
We all go the wrong way at times when we drive. GPS does not always take us where we want to go. It seems to have a mind of its own. I have turned too soon when following GPS and had to back up or turn around and continue down the street to my destination. I have also driven past where I needed to turn and had to turn around and go back to the correct street.
We get lost in life too, wondering what path to take when life changes. A path may be the right way for awhile but then it feels empty and lonely, and we question if it is time for a change. It is familiar, but you still feel lost and wonder if you should keep doing what you have always done. We need to ask ourselves some questions about where we are on this path of life and be honest with ourselves. Is it fulfilling? Am I here just because it is familiar? Has it run its course? Am I afraid of taking a risk and changing directions? Am I staying because of others and their expectations? And many more questions but few answers.
I am in the midst of change – selling one place, buying another, and moving to a different location. It is time again for an address change notification. It is easier at times to stay in the familiar, but one risks just existing instead of living. It becomes just going through the motions of life. You know you can do it, but do you want to continue doing it? One risks not experiencing the adventures and blessings on the new path. In each season of life – whether caused by aging, health, loss, or other circumstances, we need to change directions and make decisions which way to go. How do you know which way to choose?
Are you directionally challenged not just in the compass of north and south, but with your life? Who are you asking for directions? Hopefully it is not someone who has never experienced what you have or traveled your direction. It is not following others because they think they know what is best for you. You need to discern your own path and be guided by the right signposts.
The direction of our lives is determined by what is in our hearts. Who has your heart? Society sets career goals with a focus on possessions, wealth, status, security and prestige. The direction of society challenges us to achieve, acquire, and be busy. Society makes you choose to stay on course with everyone and become financially secure, develop a reputation, and be comfortable and self-sufficient. Society sometimes makes you choose between what the world expects and requires or following your heart.
When all of us experience change and loss, the world’s directions leave us directionally challenged and empty. Oh, I have lived this busyness and the need to achieve even in ministry. My focus has changed though. It is not that it was a wrong direction, it just made me learn where I do not want to go. I have been slowing down and listening to the One who gives perfect directions. I do not need to choose between following God and staying on course with my life because staying on course is following God’s direction.
How do we know where to go and which direction God is leading? First, it is slowing ourselves down from the busyness of the world and our anxious thoughts. It is removing ourselves from the merry-go-round of the media world and the comparisons with others. It is not just reading God’s Word but listening to His Word speak to your heart. It is listening to music that speaks God’s Word and love and grace into your heart. It is choosing God-fearing friends and mentors to assist discerning God’s Word to you. It is daily seeking God purpose just for today.
If God opens doors that are within the guidance and direction of His Word, then go that way. Sometimes I believe God gives us choices in directions. God blesses us with the freedom of choice because He loves us so much. The challenge is to distinguish God’s voice from the noises of this world.
Begin this journey by saying, “God, I trust you. I am listening.” This is my constant prayer.
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