Jesus: The True North

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: October 18, 2024

Scripture: "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."- Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)

Devotional Thoughts

Life has a way of pulling us in a thousand different directions, leaving us overwhelmed and sometimes lost. In those moments of confusion and uncertainty, we often search for something or someone who can help us find our way. It could be a friend’s advice, a family member’s wisdom, or even our own instincts. Yet, over the years, I have learned that there is no better compass than Jesus—He is my True North.

When I find myself lost—uncertain about the next step, unsure about decisions, or confused by life’s challenges—I have learned to turn to Jesus. He guided me through unemployment, health challenges, and financial hardships. He is the one who never changes, whose direction is always clear, and whose love is always true. He is not just a point on a map but the center of my life, the constant that provides clarity when everything else feels hazy.

Isaiah 58:11 speaks of God’s unfailing guidance. The promise here is that the Lord will guide us always, even in the most barren and difficult seasons of our lives. When we turn to Jesus as our True North, we find that He doesn’t just point the way; He walks with us on the journey. We never have to navigate life’s complexities alone because Jesus is with us every step of the way.

Looking to Jesus as our True North means trusting His direction, even when it feels unfamiliar or unexpected. It’s about surrendering our plans for His greater purpose, knowing that His ways are higher than ours and His love is deeper than we could ever fathom. In those times when we don’t know which way to go, we can be confident that Jesus will lead us to where we need to be—never too late, never too early, always right on time.

Practical Reflections

Identify moments when you feel lost. Reflect on times when you have felt uncertain or overwhelmed. What did you do? Who did you turn to? How did those moments resolve when you turned to Jesus?

Practice surrender. Make it a habit to surrender your decisions to Jesus. When faced with a choice, take a moment to pray and ask for His guidance. Trust that He will direct you in the way you should go.

Keep Jesus at the center. Make Jesus the focus of your daily life. Whether through prayer, reading His word, or simply quiet reflection, keep turning your heart to Him. Let Him guide your thoughts, your actions, and your plans.

Closing Thoughts

When you find yourself lost, remember that Jesus is your True North. He is the one who will always guide you home, no matter how far you’ve wandered or how lost you may feel. His love and direction are unwavering. You can trust Him with your life, your choices, and your future. There is no disappointment in turning to Jesus—only hope, clarity, and the assurance of His perfect path.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for being my True North, for guiding me when I am lost and for giving me hope in times of uncertainty. Help me keep my eyes fixed on You and trust Your direction, even when the way seems unclear. Teach me to lean not on my own understanding but to acknowledge You in all my ways, knowing that You will make my paths straight. Thank You for Your unfailing love and guidance. In Jesus' name, Amen.