Have you ever been lost in the woods? All the trees begin to look alike and all sense of direction is removed? Have you ever been lost driving in unfamiliar cities? In both instances we quickly become disoriented. A compass or a GPS can correct our wrong direction and lead us safely to our destination.

Have you ever been lost in worry? Yet another trial and you’re not sure you can find your way out? Why has everything gone wrong? Why do people choose sin? Why do we do things that we know will hurt ourselves, our families, our children, our communities? People in this day and age don’t like that word…sin. Is sin what causes pain and sorrow? What leads us deeper into being lost and unable to find our way out? If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:17. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4.

Your iniquities have separated you from your God. Isaiah 59:2. Lest we think we are safely on the path and knowing where we are…For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.

When we sin or when we see our loved ones, precious to us, doing what causes them and those they love harm we can’t help but feel overwhelmed. Lost. No sense of direction. We all sin. We all need a compass. A true North.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6. We all mess up. God knows that and He does not hate us. He is there to guide us safely out of the darkness of confusion and pain. How? Why? For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18. Do you think He would do that and not love you?

He is the only one who can show us the way out of our pain. A true compass. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7.

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. Psalm 119:105. No only is God our true compass but he lights the way to knowing Him and finding love and help and salvation. A compass is a simple yet wonderful tool. A simple and wonderful tool for bringing us into God’s presence is prayer. How do we pray? Talk to Him. Open your heart and tell Him your fears and worries. Ask for help. He’s there and He will lead you safely home to Him. Give Him your burdens and He will lighten your load. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.

Remember how wonderful it felt when we found the right path…the relief? You can find that with God!