Getting Un-lost

The Big Dipper (Ursa Major) is right outside my favorite star-gazing window tonight. It’s standing on end. I’ve felt a little up-side-down myself, lately.

One of my childhood memories is of my father showing me the Big Dipper and explaining how to use it to find the North Star (Polaris), in case I should ever be lost. I remember feeling very comforted that there was a star to help me figure out where I was – even though I don’t think I really understood the navigation lesson at that age. And now I have a young son who takes great comfort in carrying around a compass when we’re outdoors – for the same reason Polaris comforted me.

Stars, a compass, a map – these are the tools that give us security when we’re outside four walls. But what about when our hearts are out there in the dark? What if life throws you some unexpected curves or circumstances spin you around until you’re disoriented? And what about the choices you make when you’re feeling brave – choices to live outside the four-walled-safety zone of “life as usual” and go off in an unknown direction? Where is your sky-map then?

It’s God for me. He doesn’t change. Even the North Star isn’t completely reliable forever – it is shifting. God is my fixed point for all eternity and if I know to look for Him, I can’t ever be lost. He said He’d never change. Not that He’s at all predictable, but He is always true to who He said He is.

I photographed the Big Dipper tonight. My shots are all a little blurry, mostly from star movement. But it’s 25 below zero (Fahrenheit) here tonight and I didn’t have it in me to shiver long enough to get a better photo. Back in the heated house, I’m looking at my pictures and I’m still a little up-side-down, but God is right-side-up, and I can just look at Him to get my bearings.

By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I've committed myself and I'll never turn back from living by your righteous order. Everything's falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word. Festoon me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules. My life is as close as my own hands, but I don't forget what you have revealed. The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don't swerve an inch from your course. I inherited your book on living; it's mine forever— what a gift! And how happy it makes me! I concentrate on doing exactly what you say— I always have and always will. (Psalm 119:105, The Message)

Now you've got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I'm on the right way. (Psalm 16:11, The Message)

 

Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior, aren't you? (Psalm 25:5, The Message)

The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree. (Psalm 43:3)

Ambushed by God and Un-lost,

Kimberly