If you’re lost in the wilderness and every direction you look seems the same, one tool to help find your way is a compass. While it will not tell you where you are like GPS does, it tells you which way is north so you can travel in a straight line when there are no landmarks to mark the way. Landmarks like turn left at the rock or turn right at the big pine tree, let alone turn left at the Mc D’s and go a mile till you reach the church, then turn right onto State Street.

A compass always points north by aligning itself with earth’s magnetic field. Much like Christians point to God if we align ourselves with Jesus.

Even though I may not be physically lost in the wilderness, I frequently feel spiritually lost. Like all the choices spread out before me are the same. I don’t know which way to go or what to do. Do I take this job or that one? Do I see this friend or that one? Should I run these errands today or tomorrow? How do I navigate this rocky relationship? What do I do now that this person is upset with me? How do I love this neighbor during quarantine?

God wants us to find our way through life and he gives us direction, much like a compass gives to someone lost in the wilderness. There are three steps to read a real compass and likewise, there are three steps to take when looking at your spiritual compass.

First, be still.

To use a compass you first must be still.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:1

If the compass is twirled around too fast, it points a different direction. Christians also point in a different direction if we’re too busy for time with God.

Your soul is much like the needle of the compass. It needs to be still in order to align itself with the magnetic field of God’s will. If you are too busy, you will not be able to pay attention to what God has to say. The needle of your soul will move around too much. So come before God and His word. Reflect, meditate and calm your anxious soul before Him, (Psalm 131).

Second, wait and trust.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Once still, wait for your soul to align itself with God’s magnetic will. He’s created your soul needle to point North, to Him. Trust God will speak to you. Trust God will align your soul to his truth and provision.

The needle of the Holy Spirit directs us to the truth. Be still and allow your needle to orient with God.

Third, go forth.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23.

Now that you’ve stilled your soul, trusted in Him and aligned yourself to true North, it’s time to go forth. Go forth to the direction you hear God calling you. Whether it’s to serve your neighbor, make disciples or do your job. Whatever you do, do for the Lord.

For as long as your needle is aligned with the true north, you will always know which way you are heading.

Action Step: Read scripture and be still for 15 minutes. Contemplate its message to you. Throughout the day notice any difference this makes in your life.

Scriptures:

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10.

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. Isaiah 32:17.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Psalm 37:7

If you know of someone who would benefit from this message, please share with them! Thank you.