*This week’s post first appeared on August 9 for The Round Farmhouse online devotions. This month, we are exploring one chapter of Proverbs a day. Check out their resources on Facebook or Instagram for daily inspiration.
When you get ready for a summer road trip, what are your “must have” items to pack? Would a GPS be something you wouldn’t leave home without? Most of us have set aside our folded up paper maps and instead rely on our cell phone’s GPS to navigate us to our final destination.
When we embarked on our first family road trip four years ago, we were cautious if our GPS suggested alternative routes that veered away from the larger highways and interstates. As we continued to travel each summer, we became brave enough to trust Google maps to direct us to routes that could help us bypass construction, car accidents, and congestion.
Two beautiful things about GPS are:
- The ability to frequently check in on our progress.
- When we make a wrong turn, we immediately receive suggestions for how we can get back on track.
Using a GPS isn’t just helpful for our physical journeys. We need direction for our spiritual journeys, too. In Proverbs 9, King Solomon compares the spiritual journeys of the inexperienced person with an experienced person. Growing in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom are important landmarks of the experienced person’s spiritual journey.
Solomon teaches how we should begin our faith journey in verse 10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Our spiritual journeys all have a beginning. We have to build a base level of knowledge. As we grasp the main themes of God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness, this helps us get to know God Himself and grows understanding inside of us.
Like a GPS, when we continue to read God’s word, the Holy Spirit helps us check-in to see how we are progressing on our faith journeys. The Bible becomes our spiritual GPS: God’s Purposeful Situation. God purposefully places us in situations that will give us the opportunity to become more like Him. As we experience His faithfulness in each season, this understanding grows into godly wisdom.
Sometimes the journey He leads us on might seem off course. He also does not show us the entire route like Google Maps does. However we can trust that each purposeful step He leads us to will be for His glory and our ultimate good. We can travel confidently with His navigation.
Friend, let’s reflect on where we are right now on our spiritual journeys. In what areas do we know we are on track and which areas do we need to change course?
Whatever next steps the Lord lays on our hearts, He will use this season to grow our knowledge, apply understanding, and embrace godly wisdom. Even if we are uncertain about what step to take next, we can trust our spiritual GPS.
Experiencing God's Glory through Unique Children 
As I read through this, I kept remembering how the GPS will say, “rerouting” when I get off course. I appreciate the “purposeful step” mindset toward getting back on track and going in the right direction in my prayer life, thoughts and actions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had to laugh when you reminded me of the “rerouting” message! This is so relevant both spiritually and while driving. I’m thankful for the gift of rerouting, so we don’t have to stay stuck on an helpful route. 🙌💜🧭
LikeLike