Seeking directions can be challenging. It can be difficult to find one’s way in unfamiliar territory. Any new situation is a potential maze, full of dead ends and traps. For instance, when my husband and I traveled in Europe, instead of taking a guided tour we chose to rent a car and explore on our own. Though we carry wonderful memories from that trip, the wisdom of that decision can be debated. We constantly got lost. It was before GPS. We bounced along in a Volkswagen and attempted to decipher a map written in German. Complications arose. When we missed a turn–as we did frequently–we learned the scarcity of square blocks in Europe. It was no simple matter to get turned around and back on track. Then, if we stopped to ask directions, there was the language barrier.
One doesn’t have to leave our country to encounter language issues. Friends needed directions while riding the subway in New York. They couldn’t find anyone who spoke English, including the ticket agent who sold them the ticket. Finally a Dutchman came to their rescue and told them which gate to enter.
In the Southern U.S. one might receive directions to a destination that sound something like, “It’s two looks and a go-by.” Translated, that means, “Look as far as you can see, and go there. Then do it again. Then go a little farther and you will arrive.”
People have their own unique ways of giving directions. A relative used to tell people coming to her home to, “Go to the corner, then back up three houses.” I have also learned that if the people we ask do not know where something is located, they sometimes won’t admit it. Rather than tell us they don’t know, they may just give directions which, though followed precisely, are not helpful.
GPS makes finding locations much simpler than previously, but still not totally reliable. The voice that tells us where and when to turn, occasionally reveals its own confusion. It sometimes insists we turn where doing so would put us in a ditch.
Similarly, obstacles arise when we are seeking direction spiritually. Well meaning people may mislead or misinform us. Popular sentiment may sound reasonable, but yet be inaccurate. False religions, revisionist history and an agenda-driven media may deliberately deceive us.
All of which is to say, if we are seeking direction, human and mechanical sources are at best imperfect, and at times misleading and even deceitful.
Only one source of direction is entirely dependable. The Word of God gives clear, concise and accurate directions as we navigate our way through our allotted time on earth. God will never give us the wrong advice. He clears our confusion. Through His Word and by His
Spirit, He will give us directions that lead to the best destination. We only need to ask–and then proceed.
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NLT
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NLT
Where do you turn when you are seeking direction? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
Copyright 2025 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by Oberholster Venita from Pixabay
Great analogy and post, Phyllis. I’m thankful I can ask for, and receive, clear direction from God always.
So am I, Joni. Thank you.