A few years ago, I received an iRobot Roomba from my wonderful family. We have all tile floors in our home and I thought this would be a good way to stay ahead of the dust bunnies that always want to move in. Little did I know, that this would not only be a cleaning benefit, but also provide some entertainment value.
After unboxing my new iRobot, I was prompted to download an app to my phone and then name my device. There is that in me that wanted to be creative so I let it take a spin around the room to get a feel for its personality. I know, you’re thinking it’s a machine. It doesn’t have a personality. But there you’d be wrong.
It didn’t take me long to see that while it did complete the task of vacuuming the floor, it did so in a totally random, haphazard manner. It reminded me of the dog from the movie “UP” who was easily distracted by a ball or a squirrel when trying to complete a simple command. After making that connection, I named my iRobot “Doug”.
Doug is directionally challenged. He (of course it’s a boy) has a hard time running in a straight line. Clearly, when he hits a wall or a chair, he will change directions, but sometimes, he will change directions for no apparent reason. It’s quite entertaining. For some of us, of a certain age, we will remember the Family Circus cartoons by cartoonist Bill Keane. One of my favorites is where Billy’s mom meets him at the door with a worried expression on her face. “Where have you been” she asks. “I was just walking home from the Bus Stop”, Billy replies.
The issue here is not whether Billy knew his way home. It really speaks to the myriad things that he encountered along the way that distracted him from his one objective – getting home.
As fun as all this is, there is a spiritual point to my observations.
The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 53:6, that we are all a bit directionally challenged.
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way”
Since we know that it is in our very nature to go our “own way”, how then do we realign our spiritual compass so that we are always pointed for true North and we minimize the opportunities for distractions and detours along the way?
#1. Trust God
In Proverbs 3:5-6 the writer tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
I have found it’s when my faith waivers and the doubts set in, that I am tempted to change directions and go a different way. Trusting God should be the foundation of all that we are and all that we do. Having that unshakeable faith and trust is imperative if we are going to stay on the pathway, He has for us.
Don’t let the enemy play mind-games with you. Don’t let him sow seeds of doubt in your heart and mind by whispering “Did God really say…?” or “Was that God or was that just something that I wanted to do?” I know that stepping out in faith can be frightening and that doubts will come against you. During those times, it’s important to reconnect with the promise. Remind yourself what God said and know that God keeps His promises. When you stand on what you know in your spirit, you will find that hope will once again rise and in doing so, chase the shadows of doubt away.
#2. Let God be the Pilot
We’ve all seen the bumper sticker that says “God is my Co-Pilot”. However, the writer of that sentiment got it wrong. Another bumper sticker more correctly states, “If God is your Co-pilot, switch seats.” Can I get an “AMEN!”.
Proverbs 16:9 tells us “The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
When we finally realize that God is in control and we move ourselves out of the driver’s seat, then we can rest in the knowledge that God’s got this (whatever it is) and we don’t have to try to navigate our way around the various obstacles we may encounter along the way.
#3. Know that God Wants the Best for You
Have you ever gotten directions from someone you don’t know? While you’re listening to them tell you to turn right at Walmart, then left at the Dunkin Donuts, then another left at the Burger King, you begin to see that these landmarks are important to the person giving the directions. This 3-minute conversation has given you some insight into this person. You may also leave that conversation wondering if they knew what they were talking about and if you’ll ever find the way to your destination. For me, this 3-minute conversation has provided an hour or so of distraction from my purpose because if you know me, I’ll stop at the Wal-Mart, and possibly the Dunkin Donuts, and if it is around mealtime, I might even be tempted by the Burger King.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8
On the flip side of that coin is God. He will never give us bad directions. Why? Because He loves us and wants to see us safely home (to heaven). He also knows our weaknesses and promises not to tempt us beyond what we are able to with-stand. God has provided His Word, and the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us though this life. If we focus on the directions we find from these sources and minimize the input of the noise in our lives, we’ll be well on our way.
The bottom line is that God wants to guide and direct us. He wants to navigate the pitfalls and distractions. He wants to protect and provide for us. Psalm 23 says it best:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I 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 have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever."
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