Unusually today I was awoken by fog horns in the distance. Unusual as I live a little inland. Unusual for this time of year as well. But the sound of ship fog horns drifted over my sleepy suburb nonetheless. Opening my blinds I saw the fog lying lightly over the houses. The visibility ground level was poor. Trees made strange shadowy forms in the distance. Roads seem to vanish. But from my balcony I could see clear blue sky. I could see the tops of houses peering crisply out the top of the fog. From my higher perspective, clarity and visibility was good. I could see into the distance.
Sometimes we’re on the ground level in life. Dimly peering down the road of life, searching for bearings and guidance. Wanting clarity and to be out of the fog. Barely able to see even our hand in front of us. But sometimes all that is required to get to higher ground. To see life how God sees it. To see ourselves as God sees us.
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I onward bound,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
(Jonathan Oatman)
“He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, And sets me upon my high places.” (Psalm 18:33)
Last night, travelling to a Restaurant that I hadn’t been to before, I used my phone’s GPS to guide me there. Handy feature I say, I just had to listen to the instructions as opposed to worrying where I was in relation to a map. Always a challenge to drive while simultaneously reading a map. And I am not a great map reader, hopeless in fact! I have totally had the map upside down and thus headed in the wrong direction! Plus I’d need to wear my glasses and I’m not great on that front either!
This GPS experience did teach me a few handy life tips on the way. Life with the Holy Spirit, is a life lived with your personal counsellor and guide. The Holy Spirit is our helper. He is our comforter, our counsellor. He is continually helping us. He is our very own, always with us GPS for life!
The GPS was smart enough to cope when I took a wrong turn (yeah even with the GPS I still managed to do that!). The GPS just simply adjusted the journey and rerouted (calmly I might add) – the destination though remained the same. When we make a mistake, take a wrong turn in life, God doesn’t write us off. He forgives and redirects us back onto the correct road. He does not give up on us and who we are called to be.
“The Lord will fulfil His purpose for me.” (Psalm 138:8)
To make use of the GPS functionality on my phone, I needed to remain tuned into it. I needed to pay attention to its instructions. It was distraction that caused my wrong turn! I couldn’t have the radio up loud in the car as it would have drowned out the instructions. We need to ensure that God’s voice is the loudest voice in our lives. We need to dial down the voices of the naysayers, the negativity, the criticism and listen to what God says about us, listen to what God says about our future.
The GPS knows what lies ahead. My initial route was altered to take into consideration the traffic on the preferred route. God knows what lies ahead of us. Staying tuned into God, means staying in His timing, and being open to divine appointments.
My GPS enabled me to reach my destination in good time. For that I am grateful – would have been disappointed to have missed out on that yummy NZ Crayfish! Even more so, I am grateful for the presence of God in my life, for His guidance and care.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” (Psalm 23)
