“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”
Isaiah 30:21
Ken and I were standing with a group of friends on a high bluff, overlooking Chesapeake Bay, when we got into a friendly argument about directions. One person stabbed his finger in the air and said, “That is south.” Another countered, “No it isn’t. I would swear that’s due east.” Others threw in their two cents worth, and people began to take sides, becoming entrenched in their opinions.
Finally Ken reached into his duffle bag and said, “I’ll solve this one fast.” Within seconds the compass confirmed that we had been facing west the whole time. And you know what? Not one of us was about to argue with the compass. We knew it had the final say. In the same way, if we only look at circumstances around us, we can easily become disoriented. Just a couple of wrong cues and our bearings can get turned upside down, making north look like south, making evil look like good. We risk dangerous wrong conclusions when we try to ascertain God’s purpose and plans in our life using only our circumstances for cues.
I have never forgotten that lesson. The longer I am in this wheelchair, the more I need help in keeping my bearings. More and more pain encroaching into my life can turn my feelings “this way and that.” I need the Holy Spirit to remind me that there is “a way I should go.” Despite the backaches and headaches, I need to hold fast to the blessed Word of God.
As you walk through this day, determine that you will make no decision without first consulting the Lord. Ask Him to bring Scriptures to your mind that will help you find — and keep — your bearings.
Father, how can I be so foolish as to think I can plan my own life itinerary apart from Your strong counsel? Guide me, O thou great Jehovah.
