Have you ever doubted your map app? Whether it’s Waze, Google Maps, or Apple Maps, have you ever ever been certain it’s incorrect? Once, I used to be visiting a friend who lived in Keller, a town I do not visit often. Our families were meeting for dinner, and I used to be stuck in rush-hour traffic. The cars in front of me were at a standstill, and cars were piling up behind me. To my left was a turn-off. Even though my map app, which accounts for traffic, wasn’t saying I should turn, I used to be certain it was a greater way.
As I turned off, my GPS continued to inform me to show around. It was incorrect. I used to be driving parallel to the freeway-turned-parking-lot, pondering how I had outsmarted the machine. The kids were hungry, and Monica wasn’t so sure, but it surely appeared that I had gotten away with a incredible shortcut. Then, just because the restaurant was inside site, I hit a forced turnaround that took us around the town and put us back in line where we were. Only we were now behind all of the cars that were previously behind us.
When looking for direction, we’ve got to know what source of data we should always trust. Proverbs 3:5- 6 exhorts us to not lean on our understanding. Ok, cool. Whose understanding should I lean on then? My GPS apps have proven trustworthy, but the issue is that I actually have one other device that has proven untrustworthy. To confuse matters much more, it’s the device I’m most susceptible to trust. It’s my heart. Not the beating, blood-pumping organ, but my emotional center, the core of my being, AKA my gut, AKA my feelings. That heart is untrustworthy.
Think about it. Have you ever been in love? Are you continue to in love? If not, what happened? Your heart was being unreliable, that is what happened. Ever thought you were going to marry anyone? Or have you ever ever really wanted something, only to purchase it after which let it collect dust? Our heart leads us astray on a regular basis. So, if we won’t “follow our heart”, what things can we depend on to accurately navigate us through the directions of life?
Go to God
When you trusted in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of your sins, you were given the Holy Spirit. This is direct access to God Almighty. You can refer to Him, and He can hear you. He controls things…all things. Trust in Him with all of your heart and in all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct you.
Pray Through the Scriptures
Right about now, you are probably pondering, “That’s great. I can refer to God, but He’s not so good at talking back.” He’s actually really great at talking back, but it surely seems the medium He most uses is His inspired Word, the Bible. Why must you read the Bible? One of many reasons is that you simply get to read the desires of and wisdom from God Himself. When you’re reading the Bible, be in prayer. Ask God to make it easier to understand His Word and ask Him for wisdom from it.
Seek Wise Counsel
There are a few dozen Proverbs that effectively say, “You do not know, so that you higher ask anyone.” Maybe a greater paraphrase is “wisdom comes from the counsel of many“. Get other solid Christians in a room. Present your questions and situation with all of the needed details. Allow them to ask any questions they need. Then ask them what you need to do. Let them work it out along with you and hopefully gain a consensus. Pray that the Lord would speak through them and ask them to share Bible verses that inform their counsel. After all, why only hearken to mortal man when we’ve got God’s Word? Men who know me and know God’s Word, and who will tell me the reality are invaluable to me. They are priceless sources of godly direction.
Next time you are lost in life’s decisions, remember your GPS :
- G o to God
- P ray through the scriptures
- S eek clever counsel
It will get you unstuck each time.
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He has written 5 best-selling books, and is currently working on “Your Story Has a Villain.” This book is for you should you’re weary from the struggle and able to embrace the abundant life God has for us. It will make it easier to explore the tactics of Satan, equip you to beat spiritual battles, and remind you of the victory already secured through Jesus. Learn more at his website, jonathanpokluda.com. Click here for Unite Us, a movement of faculty students united to lift the name of Jesus.
