Like a ship tossed by the raging waves of the sea, sometimes in life we can lose our bearings and become disoriented. We are unsure of where we stand, where we are going, and which way we need to go. It can happen to any of us. What can we do when we feel lost and bewildered?
One of the most fascinating adventures my daughter enjoyed during her NJROTC days was being on the orienteering team. Basically, they would be left in the middle of the woods to find their way back to camp. The quest was usually quite challenging. They used compasses and natural land markings as their guide. She loved the pump of adrenaline from hiking the virtually untraveled terrain and navigating the uncharted course. What exhilaration she would feel as she would begin to see the hint of clearing in the distance toward her goal.
 |
| My daughter, Natalie, during her NJROTC days |
Getting lost was a real possibility, and the helplessness that followed could be terrifying. However, to avoid becoming disoriented, the compass became their best friend. The needle of the compass always points to the magnetic north pole of the earth, thus establishing the foundation to correctly travel any direction they needed to go with certainty. When all the surrounding landscape begins to merge together into one confusing blur, understanding how to find north will help them confidently establish their bearings.
The practical implication is obvious. When we become confused by the pressure surrounding us on all sides; when we hear conflicting advice from various sources; when we become tired of the mundane and lose sight of our goals; when life throws us curve balls that blindside us; and when we feel trapped in the rat race, we need a clear focal point to fix our eyes upon in order to make sense of it all. It must be something that is true and absolute.
The answer is to fix our eyes upon Jesus and establish everything according to God’s infallible Word. Jesus is our true north. Nothing else will point us back into the right direction or bring true clarity or purpose back to our lives. Whenever you feel disoriented or lose your passion for life, spend time seeking the presence of the Lord with all your heart and meditate on His Word. That is the focal point that will reestablish your life, and all else will fall into place exactly as it should be.
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:2a NLT
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV
We also must make a clear distinction between magnetic north and true north. True north is the exact direction toward the North Pole. It does not vary. It is firmly set. Magnetic north is a slight variation from the North Pole. Surrounding tools or magnetic pulls may influence the reading slightly. In other words, when trying to find your “true north,” don’t allow yourself to be deceived by variations or copycats that may seem true on the surface but with just enough bend to lead you astray. Be sure to search out the absolute center point upon which to establish your foundation of truth. Seek God’s Word for yourself and base everything else only upon what is in agreement with it.
If you are weary, stressed out, or feeling lost, I want to encourage you to refocus and find true north again. God has promised that when you seek Him with your whole heart, He will be found by you. You will have everything you need and can finish your course strong.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
If you do not know Jesus as your true north, I want to invite you to find out more about Him in my post, How Can I Be Saved? One thing I do know for sure is that when I gave my heart to Him, He gave me new life. I have hope, meaning, and peace beyond anything I had ever known before. When I lose my way even now, He is always the one who sets me back on track and restores my life. I want you to know Him for yourself. He loves you more than you can ever imagine, and He accepts you just as you are.
I hope you feel invigorated as you refocus on Jesus, and that this reminder clears all the cobwebs that had left you disoriented.
Love in Christ,
Shari Lewis
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
Enjoy this beautiful song by Twila Paris, “True North.”
