Are you looking in the wrong direction?

Have you ever stopped at a level crossing waiting for a train and whilst the warning lights flashed, tried to guess from which direction the train was coming from? More often than not we guess wrong. We are looking in the wrong direction. We met some friends for lunch recently in the centre of Birmingham and stood and waiting at the intersection of several streets trying to guess from which direction they would come. They actually came from different directions as husband and wife had somehow become separated on their way from the carpark!

As I’m sure you’re aware that these are challenging days in which to live. My heart goes out to all those who are struggling during this pandemic. Many have tragically lost family members and also jobs, businesses and livelihoods. Stress, anxiety, worry, fear, depression and loneliness is rarely far away. I get it. I resigned from my post during August and, as yet, have no future church lined up. It’s not a great position to be in during a pandemic.

Are you looking in the wrong direction?

I was praying the other morning and God challenged me concerning which direction I was looking in. He was right. When we’re in a challenging season we can look to other people or other things rather than God for our needs to be met. God reminded me;

“Son, you’re looking in the wrong direction. look to me. I am and have always been your provider. I have never let you down. I have guided your life from your birth, opened every door, created every opportunity and met every need. Stop looking to everyone else and simply look to me.”

I have to say that since Father whispered that in my ear I have felt the pressure release, anxiety disappear and His indescribeable peace fill my heart and mind.

God is in charge. He determines and directs our destiny.

I remember a similar season of our lives, prior to bible college and ministry, when our children were young and we lived in Leicester. I was running a franchised newsagents and had built the business up in such a way that it was highly successful and profitable. We’d just bought a fabulous brand new four bedroomed detached house for our growing family. I had a new car. We loved our lives. That was until, without any warning, the owner of the franchise changed the terms and suddenly my income went through the floor.

We were in serious trouble. At the same time there was a recession and house price crash. Every which way we looked there was no help. Bank, loans, family, friends — everywhere direction in which we looked, there was no help. It was an incredibly dark and tortuous season that lasted for some time. However we discovered that the only one who could help was Father God and He absolutely came through for us over and over again during that time and often through unexpected people and places. David wrote these encouraging words;

“I was once young, but now I’m old. Not once have I found a lover of God forsaken by him, nor have any of their children gone hungry.” (Psalm 37:25 TPT)

Are you looking in the wrong direction?

I’m sure some reading this, through no fault of their own, may be in the same situation as we found ourselves. The pandemic is wrecking lives and livelihoods. It is causing untold stress, anxiety and fear. So can I encourage you today to begin to look in the right direction. The Psalmist said this:

“I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God’s help. But then I realise that our true help and protection come only from the Lord, our Creator who made the heavens and the earth. He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall. God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me. He will never slumber nor sleep; he is the Guardian-God for his people, Israel. Jehovah himself will watch over you; he’s always at your side to shelter you safely in his presence. He’s protecting you from all danger both day and night. He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity as he continually watches over you. You will be guarded by God himself. You will be safe when you leave your home and safely you will return. He will protect you now, and he’ll protect you forevermore!” (Psalms‬ ‭121:1–8‬ ‭TPT)‬‬

Are you looking in the wrong direction?

Perhaps it’s time to look in the right direction…

Why not pause for a moment and re-direct your gaze towards God.

Talk to Him, pour out your heart to Him, put your total trust in Him and allow His incredible peace to fill your heart and mind.

He has got you. You will come through this.