Have you ever had that feeling of being lost and alone?
I think GPS devices were probably invented by someone who had been lost or had a loved one who had been. As annoying as that silly voice is, there is some comfort in knowing that someone knows where I am even if I don’t.
Dave and I watched a movie a while back, “Adrift”. It is based on a true story of a couple who are lost at sea. In one particular scene the young woman is using a sextant to plot their location. In desparation she declares that they are so far off their original course that she doubts anyone with find them. Physically they were lost but they were almost emotionally or mentally lost. Alone and afraid.
I think more people experience being lost emotionally than do physically. The inner turmoil that comes from feeling lost in a big world is unnerving and creates fear. There’s a way of thinking that leaves us feeling isolated and alone even when we are in a group of people. Where’s the GPS for that?
Glad you asked.
“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV
We all experience uncharted territory as we go through life but there is One who has gone before and He knows the way and will direct us safely through.
Joshua was a man who had been Moses assistant. He was being groomed to lead the Israelites into the land that God had promised them. Joshua had been there once as a young man but this was new territory. Being the leader of a nomadic nation of over a million people was also new territory. He had many reasons to feel lost and alone but he also had a word from God.
“Then Moses called Joshua. All the Israelites watched while Moses said to Joshua, “Be strong and brave. You will lead these people into the land that the Lord promised to give to their ancestors. You will help the Israelites take that land and divide it among them. 8 The Lord will lead you. He himself is with you. He will not fail you or leave you. Don’t worry. Don’t be afraid!” Deuteronomy 31:7-8 ERV
Don’t worry. Don’t be afraid. Let God lead!
Joshua followed that word and the Israelites were successful in conquering the new land God had given them. The first step into this uncharted territory was the step Joshua took in his heart. He put his confidence in the Lord, not in his own abilities. He trusted God to direct his steps.
What are our uncharted territories? Relationships, career, education, medical, financial, political or maybe a combination of these. We are not alone; we don’t have to have all the answers and in our finite minds we won’t. However, there is One who will guide us through. He will never leave us on our own.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLV
We can take comfort in that!