Am I Going In The Right Direction?

I am awful at directions and anyone who has ever ridden in a car while I’m driving knows this fact! Any location that is farther than the 10-mile-radius of my house is subject to a Google Maps search. If the map is not telling me where to go you’ll hear me start questioning, “Is this the right direction?”

When I was growing up, my family moved often. I lived in 10 different cities by the time I graduated High School. I was never able to become familiar with a town. I never felt confident knowing my way around! I got used to relying on maps to get everywhere, so why memorize it now?

On the other hand, my sweet Pawpaw has an incredible sense of direction. Pawpaw developed his sense of direction through his 30-year career as a firetruck driver. With that kind of time under his belt with the same Fire Station, Pawpaw knows the streets of Dallas like the back of his hand. Pawpaw is known for pulling out napkins and drawing a little map to get me and my sister where we need to go. He’s the first person I’ll call if I get lost because I trust his directions. He knows where he’s been and where he’s headed. He’s confident in his directional skills!

Let’s think of this as a picture of our relationship with the Lord. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…” The sheep know the voice of their shepherd because they spend time with the shepherd daily. In the same way, Pawpaw knows his way around Dallas because he has spent time studying the streets to know the fastest way to get from A to B. I do not know my way around because I’m constantly changing directions and never memorizing where I’m going. In your life, can you quickly determine if you’re going in the right direction? When you need to make a big decision, who do you consult with regarding which way to go?

You’re not alone.

The Bible uses terms and stories about directions, roads, and highways frequently. People have been questioning their direction, the options laid out for their lives, and then if they made the right choice since the beginning of time. Here’s what the Bible has to say about directions:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” Jeremiah 10:23

“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How can anyone understand their own way?” Proverbs 20:24

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though we may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

There is a promise across all of these that the path becomes straight and the steps are directed when you allow God full control of your life. Then, the Lord leads us down the right path. Just as I would call my Pawpaw when I need accurate and trustworthy directions, Jesus is that guide for our questions about life. Jesus is the fulfillment of these promises as he states in John 14:6, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus is the way. Whatever decision you’re tackling or direction you’re facing, Jesus is the way.

Now, let’s put this principle into some easy-to-apply steps…

You’re questioning if you’re headed in the right direction, now what?

Here are 7 Questions to clarify in you are Headed in the right Direction:1

1. Is it wrong, dishonest, or dishonoring to God?

2. Is it wise to do it?

3. Is it consistent with your goals?

4. Are others supportive of you doing it?

5. Are you willing to pay the price?

6. Can you be happy if you don’t do it?

7. Do you believe God wants you to do it?

There is no situation where “one question fits all,” so revise these as necessary.

As we’ve established, I am awful at knowing the directions to a location without my maps! In a spiritual parallel, humankind is awful at knowing the right direction too. Jeremiah 17:9 even says, “The heart is deceitful above all things… who can understand it?” Your heart will lead you astray.

So, when you find yourself at a fork in the road or going in a direction you don’t know is right, the Lord has given you a pretty clear promise and the perfect road, THE BIBLE!

Open the Bible to learn more about His character, align your decisions with His promises, and give God control to let Him move in your life.

1 To Every Nation. “Are You Heading in the Right Direction?” https://toeverynation.com/heading-in-the-right-direction/

About the author: Madison Melcher

Madison Melcher is the founder of @coveredbygrace.design and a student at Ouachita Baptist University. She has been given many talents, one of which being creating beautiful art on Bibles, to inspire creativity in the word of God. Follow her ministry for encouragement and shop her Bibles here!