Lost direction

Whilst cycling around this summer I came across this signpost and was reminded how easy it is for us to loose direction, and I began to think how we regroup when we have lost our way. Having been lost at several points in life below are a few thoughts on regaining direction.

Sometimes we can loose a sense of direction in life. This can come through a sudden change or it can slowly creep upon us over a period of time where we wake up one day and realise our sign post has been bent out of shape and we are not sure where we are going or supposed to be heading. Loosing direction can cause us to feel like we have messed up and we may think that there is no way ahead which can be a daunting experience.

The Bible has some great accounts of people who got lost, Joseph being one of many but despite being lost and not sure why or what was happening, God had a plan and a purpose all along. We can be inspired by his story. Whatever has caused our direction to become unclear is not a big issue to God. Jesus revealed his role when we are in a lost situation or season in John 14:6 speaking about himself being “the way, truth and the life”. If this is the case then it is important to walk closely to Jesus when all direction is lost and follow him and he will lead us onto the path. Maybe we only become aware of the path he has led us on when we look back as to where we have walked next to Christ.

If we have truly lost our way we draw close to God and seek him, it is the promise of God that he will be there “When you seek me you will find me. When you seek me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13. God is the source of all life and all things in life, then when we find him direction will unfold and be clear. The true direction of our lives is that we are heading to God and the how and what we do along the way toward that goal is for Jesus to lead each of us out of a friendship with himself. As he led the disciples all those years ago it is Jesus who still makes a way today.

God is creative and he can make rivers in a desert. So where we count all direction is lost and impossible to regain God can step in and make way where there seems no way. “Behold I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” Isaiah 43:19. Our redirection is just a moment away from each one of us as we go to seek God with all our hearts – a true pilgrimage that we do with Jesus who leads us day to day.