Melody Beattie, an American author of self-help books on codependent relationships once remarked: "I used to spend so much time reacting and responding to everyone else that my life had no direction. Other people's lives, problems, and wants set the course for my life. Once I realized it was okay for me to think about and identify what I wanted, remarkable things began to take place in my life." Psalm 32:8 reminds us: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."
Many people in life often become distracted by events or circumstances beyond their control which inevitably result in a lack of positive direction. We all need guidance on the correct way forward whether it be in a change of career or in personal circumstances. We may wonder if what we are doing are the true wishes of God or our own misconceived understanding or ideas.
We have all probably experienced the confusion that can occur when we think that we know best and make a wrong decision which may adversely affect our lives, or even worse, others as well. Colossians 1:9 states: "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding."
Without any form of guidance, we can become lost and possibly take the wrong path in life which can lead to bitter regret. At times like these, we need to remember that God is always there to put us back on the right track through our prayers and trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 informs us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
There was once a middle-aged couple who enjoyed rambling through woods and forests located throughout the United Kingdom in their spare time. It had become their main hobby in life which they had pursued for several years. They regularly made weekend trips to new areas to explore the beauty of life in these naturally fertile lands. The husband had recently purchased an expensive hand-held digital compass specifically designed for hiking purposes that incorporated GPS navigation to aid tracking in remote areas and to facilitate the return to the coordinated starting point of the journey.
He was delighted and extremely proud of his purchase. He had spent several hours studying the user manual in-depth to gain the best possible use of the instrument for their particular field. He was now eager to sample the features with another new adventure.
On a weekend in the summer, they both decided to journey and explore The New Forest in Hampshire to utilize their new acquisition. The New Forest became a National Park in March 2005. Its principal aim was to conserve the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area, combined with the express intention of instilling enjoyment and appreciation of its special features. It covers an area of 566 square kilometres and comprises vast tracts of unspoilt woodland, heathland and river valleys. They booked into a nice hotel for the weekend close to the park and were excited about their planned trip.
As the primary intention was to specifically venture off the beaten track in a pre-designated area to procure the best experience, with the reassurance that they would be unlikely to get lost, he set the geographical coordinates of the vehicle’s location into the instrument. He then placed the compass into the pocket of his shorts and proceeded with his wife to begin the journey through the spectacular unspoilt countryside. They took with them a small basket that contained two flasks of coffee and a selection of fruit and sandwiches combined with plenty of bottled water to aid hydration during the hike.
After three hours of exploring the natural beauty of the area, they came upon an ideal clearing and sat down to enjoy lunch and soak up the atmosphere and wonderful scenery before beginning the return journey back to the car. They packed everything up and the man went to remove the compass from his pocket for the return trip. However, he was horrified to realise that the compass was missing and was nowhere to be seen in the vicinity. It had obviously fallen out of his pocket during the hike. Panic set in as neither of them had any idea of the route they had followed on the outward journey.
They had in effect, totally lost direction with little hope of retracing their original steps back to civilisation. The distraught wife asked her husband: “What are we going to do now? We are lost in the middle of nowhere, what hope do we have in sleeping in our beds tonight?” Romans 15:13 advises: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
The wife became fearful of never escaping from their present predicament and admonished her husband, stating that he should have taken more care of the compass by tying a cord around it and hanging it around his neck rather than simply placing it into the shallow pockets of his shorts. An eyelet had been provided for that very purpose. They attempted to find their way out of the area via several different routes, but unfortunately, after two hours, found themselves back in exactly the same place again. It reminded the wife of a previous trip to Hampton Court Maze.
During that visit, they had encountered a similar experience of not succeeding in finding the exit without considerable help from others. Now the wife became tearful and extremely worried. She began to earnestly pray for help. Philippians 4:6 reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Her prayer had been heard and answered when a party of boy scouts and their leader, on a foraging expedition, happened to pass by within a few yards of their location and the wife called out for help. The leader stated that he knew the area extremely well and if they were happy to follow them, he would lead them back to safety. The wife was so relieved and grateful. The thought of escape from adversity was extremely comforting. Within two hours they had, once again, located the car and were on their way back to the hotel for a relaxing bath and a pleasant evening meal before retiring for a well deserved good night’s sleep. Luke 15:4 confirms: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?”
Amen.
