Navigating Life: The Compass Within
A few years ago, I experienced something that changed the way I operate in life, both spiritually and practically.
I was on my way home for a lunch break from work on a quiet weekday. My wife called and asked me to swing by the local grocery store near our house to buy some milk. As I walked from the parking lot to the store, I avoided the main entrance and entered through a second one that was closer to my vehicle. When I entered, I saw a large metal rack with a sign that read “clearance”. On one of the shelves was a large, oversized chocolate bar on sale for 50% off its usual price. I sensed a calm voice within prompting me to purchase the candy bar. I chalked this up to my own love of chocolate and thought my wife would also enjoy it, so I grabbed the candy, then located the milk, and headed to the checkout counter.
There were two women ahead of me in the checkout line: One who was impatiently trying to get her many groceries checked and bagged, and an older, frail woman who stood quietly waiting her turn. She had only a few groceries, and I noticed they were of the inexpensive ‘meals for one’ variety. As the older woman paid for her items and slowly started bagging them the cashier scanned my 2 items and I paid with my card. Then—and let me be clear, I’m not exaggerating —I heard that same inner voice speak: “give the candy bar to the older woman”. I paused for a moment, then haltingly asked the woman “Do you like chocolate?”
“Yes” she replied.
“Here, this is my gift to you” I said as I handed her the candy bar.
What she said next still reverberates in me today.
“Oh, thank you” she replied, “today is my birthday”.
At these words the cashier, the impatient woman finishing her bagging, and I all stopped. The mood instantly changed, and we all said, “Happy birthday!” to this dear woman who was obviously alone. As I left, I wished her well and later reflected on what had happened. I didn’t know this woman, and never saw her again. All I know is that, in the span of a few minutes, I was prompted to buy something I wasn’t planning on getting— and later prompted by the same voice to give it to someone who I’m convinced needed it.
This has happened over and over again to me, in big and small ways.
Navigating life for me is intricately tied to being attuned to God in an experiential, day-to-day relationship, and conversation with Him. This is both a gift from God—through the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit— and the ongoing, daily practice of listening to Him. There are many examples in Scripture that point to the fact that God still speaks to people. Here are just a few:
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” “(Isaiah 30:21)
“…for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice…”(Psalm 95:7)
“[Jesus said} My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
God still speaks to people today. The question is whether or not we will listen to and follow His words. I’m not saying that every thought is from God. Instead, availing ourselves to God’s inner promptings involves yielding our desires, thoughts, words, and plans to Him, and then paying attention to and following His lead.
I always begin by seeking confirmation that these thoughts are from God and just my own. Spending time praying and absorbing the abiding Truth of God’s Word in Scripture helps me in this process. I find that there are other confirmations of God’s leading. Here's one example:
Earlier this week I thought about a friend of mine, and sensed God’s prompting to call him about getting a group of men together around a campfire to share our life stories. As the day progressed, I got busy and forgot to call him. Early the next morning—out of the blue —he texted me about a men’s devotional he was reading. The title of the devotional was this “The Firepit” about men getting together around a fire. I called him right away and now we are in the process of setting this up.
God’s leading often leads me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes I see results, and other times not so much. Once I felt prompted by God to give money to a man with a sign asking for help. As I dropped the cash into a pail I said, “God bless you”. He immediately started screaming at me and berating my faith in God. I simply walked away and silently prayed for him. Why? because he matters to God. The lesson I learned was that my job is to do exactly what God asks of me—little, much, or nothing— and leave the results to Him.
The longer I live, the more convinced I am that all of us can experience God’s presence and leading in the big and small things of life. Discernment and wisdom are necessary in this process. God will never ask us to do anything harmful to ourselves or others because He is the source of all that is good. I believe that following through on God’s “asks” is a way that we can experience God’ power and love for us and others.
I’ve found that God’s promptings, like an abiding, still, small voice within, is the best compass for navigating life. It’s available for all people who call on Him. Here is a song that I wrote and recorded that helps me tune in to God’s voice. I hope it helps you to do the same.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ZgC3xrJhnvw
God bless you!
Chris Atkins