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When was the last time you were lost?

In this time of GPS systems, it is a rare occurrence, I imagine. We didn’t have a GPS when we first moved here to Chattanooga. I got lost more than a few times and eventually learned to build in some extra time whenever I ventured out to a new place. But as stressful as it was for me to be lost, I think those were the times when I was the most aware of my surroundings. Instead of blindly waiting for the lovely digital voice to offer instructions on where to turn, I noticed every street name, every landmark, every potential friendly face I could seek to ask for help.

Of course, it is not always on roads or trails where we find ourselves lost. Sometimes our global position is quite clear, while our spiritual position, or our emotional position is in mired in uncertainty. I have often felt lost during times of grief or transition or when I have had to make big decisions in my life. It is in those moments when we want God to give us a clear sign, to show us the path we should take. Like the psalmist, we want to wait, to be led in the right direction. Unfortunately, God doesn’t always work like that. And part of faith involves stepping out in moments of great uncertainty, trusting that, no matter what, God goes with us. And we may still find ourselves lost along the way. But sometimes it is when we are lost that we learn the most about ourselves and the faithfulness of God.

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