Directionless or Directed?

God doesn’t seem to be leading me anywhere right now. It has been almost two years since I left my church staff position. At that time the only direction I had was to write a book based on my curriculum designed to grow women’s influence. I spoke at women’s conferences and retreats—opportunities which God clearly provided by his sovereign hand. I am now completing the final edits on the book to self-publish it. But what is next? No doors have opened; no voice has spoken; and no sign has appeared in the skies. I don’t like being in limbo and am getting impatient with this waiting. Have you ever felt that God left you without a compass?

How do we navigate such times? What path do we take without clear direction? How do we maintain faith when God seems to have forgotten that we are available? How is God guiding when he seems so silent?

Lying Down in Green Pastures

Psalm 23 may be the most beloved and memorized of all the Psalms. We appreciate the images of peaceful fields and of clean, white sheep tended by God. However, I have found that the reality of living out the truths of this passage can be tough. According to verse 2, the shepherd forces the sheep to lie down in green pastures. Apparently, lying down isn’t easy for sheep, and it’s certainly not normal for me. I like to know that my days are filled with purpose and plans. To rest seems wrong somehow!

I am clearly in a season of resting. A few months ago God

Resting in God's Lap

In God’s providence, we have two Westies; we got Libby as a puppy, but Maggie was a rescue off the street. Although they generally get along great, Libby is definitely jealous of any attention given Maggie. After all, my lap was her sole territory for over three years! When she sees Maggie there or hears me talk to her, she wants the same. Of course, it’s available; all she has to do is jump in my lap!

Often as Christians, we observe the peace of believers who walk closely with God and desire the same. I have been there as I sensed a tranquil faith in others. Jealous of the contentment they enjoy, we often do nothing to achieve it for ourselves by moving toward God. “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” (Jam. 4:8). I know that I get too busy, too distracted, and too committed to the priorities of the culture to invest quality time with God, to get on His lap, so to speak.

How do we intentionally draw closer to God?