Lost Your Way?

Rollo May has reminded us, "It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way." Really ponder that reminder for a bit, because most of the 'running' we do in life is a result of having made choices that have led us down paths we would otherwise not have traveled. It also seems we 'pick up pace' as we run toward what we know we shouldn't be moving toward in the first place. We have chosen what we want over what we need.

No, the Lord is all I need. He takes care of me. My share in life has been pleasant; my part has been beautiful. I praise the Lord because he advises me. Even at night, I feel his leading. I keep the Lord before me always. Because he is close by my side, I will not be hurt. (Psalm 16:5-8)

God's plan is for us to pursue godliness - decisions that will promote and maintain his presence, peace, and power within our lives. Does it ever amaze you that the 'wrong direction' is the easiest one to pursue? I think the enemy of our soul knows if he made temptation too 'difficult', we'd never veer away from God's commands. The one who has lost their way will be the first to admit just how 'easy' it was to get off track with what they knew was right. 

What does it mean to be 'lost'? It can simply mean to be set 'adrift' - really having no purposeful aim in life. Not all of us are 'goal setters', but without a purpose, it is hard to set a course. It also carries the idea of being 'absent'. Too many times we can be 'present' but be totally and completely 'absent'. Our bodies may be there, but our hearts and minds are just somewhere else. 'Lost' people don't always realize they aren't 'present' in the true sense of the word. They just aren't all that aware of being 'absent' in the moment.

If we desire God's best in our lives, we will soon realize mindless drifting is just not what he has in mind. We all need a purpose - a path to follow. We all do much better when we have 'followed the directions' set our for us than we do when we have struck out on our own. Just sayin!