God’s GPS
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
To be directionally challenged is an understatement for myself and my youngest daughter. We seem to be able to get lost in the simplest of settings. We got laughing together the other day as we were walking through the corridors of a huge business building, wondering together if we would be able to find our way out upon leaving. When GPS first became available, Stephen and I decided we wanted to visit an art gallery an hour or so from where we live. This was our first opportunity to use the new GPS in our travels. We were a bit amazed that this was even possible. I set our destination carefully and off we drove. Our journey was going to take us into Massachusetts, over windy, narrow roads through beautifully wooded villages and towns. The further into our trip, the roads, stops, and curvy turns began to all look alike, even though we were trying carefully to follow our new technology. The voice would tell us take the next right or left. Keep on this road until you come to a stop sign. Turn left. Yet there were times when the voice would say nothing, I mean absolute silence for miles. The hard concept to get was the silence in between the instructions. Even at one point, Stephen almost wanted to throw the cell phone out the window in his frustration. It took some intense reasoning to get him to calm down and trust the GPS directions. Finally we arrived at our art gallery and went on to enjoy our day. How like myself when I’ve brought a request to the Lord, asking Him for His plan and direction. As I wait on Him, He, many times, has begun to assure me I’m on the right path in my asking, waiting and hearing His voice. As I begin to follow what I hear Him speak to me through His Word, or a dream or even a strong sense of “This is the way, walk in it,” that peace that comes when you’re in His will brings comfort for the journey. But there are these times in receiving His direction that He goes silent. I wait to hear His voice, yet He stays silent. It’s like when the GPS doesn’t repeat the directions for a while because you have to get near to the next turn or stop in the road to be able to receive further instruction and specific direction. Here’s the challenge—it can be frustrating and an undoing of your peace in those times when God is silent. I love the clarity that the Lord has given so many times, and many times given with a strong word of confirmation to go along with His direction. Yes! I can follow this! Then as we step out in faith doing what we have heard and have peace concerning, He goes silent. What are we to do?! He is speaking nothing. Here’s the smartest and safest thing to do—just keep going straight. Just keep moving forward until you hear Him speak again. He’s already spoken and confirmed His will to you. Trust His plan and way. He is well able to “reroute” you if you lose your way. The Lord is causing us to grow in our faith and knowing His voice. He can be trusted. He is the GPS system that never gets it wrong if only we will trust Him and follow His directions.
What about you? Do you have a strong spiritual GPS system? Can you hear His voice, wait and look for confirmation, and keep obeying Him when He is silent? Remember, He knows the way always. All we have to do is follow and trust His way and timing. Have a great day in Him.
