Today one of our daughters and her friend got lost in the bush. Their phones were losing signal, running low on battery and it was starting to get cold and close to night fall. Any attempts to read Google maps were failing, and they seemed to be walking further and further away from where they had parked their car.
Enter parents to the scene, that through text message and intermittent phone calls (when they were getting reception) realised that help needed to be called in. Help being the police rescue helicopter, three vehicles of police ground support, and the parks and recreation staff that were familiar with the terrain, and who were finally successful in locating them.
Today’s events make’s one consider how very easy it is to get lost if we are not being careful and staying aware. A bit like how it is in our journey through life. We can start out so well, having a great time, laughing, partying and enjoying the sunshine as we happily take whatever path looks interesting and good at the time. However not all paths lead to safety or home, and that’s where many people can lose their way. Not every path is a good one; some paths are dead ends, some lead you to a cliff’s edge and inevitable danger, and some meander round and round in circles taking you nowhere fast.
The key is to find the path that God has mapped out for us. This route may not necessarily be the easiest path, or perhaps look the most exciting at first, but it will take us to where we need to go, and with God will always be full of opportunities, joy and fulfilment. This path takes patience and wisdom to walk on; it takes listening to Jesus, and realising that we, with our limited knowledge and understanding don’t always know the path ahead. We can sometimes get totally lost if we are not listening and being aware; we can get distracted if we’re not keeping our eyes on the path designed for us, and we can get lead astray by others. Jesus however promises He will be a light unto our path and will lead us to green pastures, quiet still waters, and destinations that restore and replenish our souls.
He promises that He will be our “map” and that knowing Him and His Word will create within us an inner “compass” to help direct us. The key for us is stop and gain our bearings by spending time daily with Jesus so we are familiar with our “map,” and to read His Word so that we know how to follow our “compass” everyday.
Don’t wait until you’re hopelessly lost before you consider getting to know Jesus and the things He has to share with you in His word. Stop and take the time to get to know your “map and compass” today.
“By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3)
Prayer: Lord thank you that even when I get lost you always come find me. Help me to trust in you to lead me on the right path and to protect and guide me wherever I go. In Jesus name Amen.
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