Off Trail

How do you get back on track, once you realize that you've let things slide a bit? I'm not talking about after major life events, though those certainly can derail us. I'm just talking about the normal ebb and flow of life, where we can find ourselves in a rut.

Well, I wish I had the complete and best answer to that question.

I'm somewhat in one of those ruts at the moment myself. The blogs haven't felt all the inspired lately, I haven't felt the gumption to work on this website like I was. That's not to say that I have no desire or am wanting to quit the whole thing. Just that life does have a tendency to happen.

So when you're in a situation like that, how can you get back to where you ought to be?

Well, let me throw a few thoughts out there and we'll see what sticks.

1. Reorient

This is probably the most important thing. When you go hiking, if you get lost off the trail, the best thing to do is to slow down, stop, and ponder (and pray!), not continue to trudge on aimlessly into the woods. That's a great way to get REALLY lost.

Similarly, it's good to refocus by going back to the start. What's the most important thing in life? Knowing God. So get back to that. My life may be chaotic right now, but God is still in charge. One may have drifted a bit, but God has never left His people.

In other words, do what Paul says in Colossians 3:1-2:

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth."

2. Re-Think

I think another good thing to do is to think on good things. Paul tells us what to think on in Philippians 4:8. So, when we get off the rails a little bit, maybe we ought to think about the correct things.

What is true? For example, I might be worried about a lot of different things, but what do I know that is absolutely true in this moment? Think on that, but don't stop there. What is lovely, pure, good? Think on those things. Let your foundation be built on the thoughts that Scripture tells us to think.

3. Repent

It's also important in these moments to try to prayerfully recognize any sin that may have led you to, and kept you in, this situation. That's a tough one, I'll be honest. Recognizing that we're in a pickle is one thing, but admitting that it could be our fault, or that our response to it is a wrong one, is a totally different story.

But remember 1 John 1:9. God is faithful AND just to forgive us AND cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

We need to have a clear mind and heart.

4. Rest

So, I struggle with all of these, just so you know. But I have to admit that Scripturally speaking, there is certainly an idea of resting and waiting on God. It's not a sit-and-do-nothing rest, but a settled trust and patience with the God of the universe.

David and other Psalmists speak often of waiting on God.

"Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait on the LORD." - Psalm 27:14

I guess I'm suggesting that you and I, once we've slowed down, thought about what God has said about us and Him, confessed any known sin, that we ought to then prayerfully commit the situation to Him, and rest in Him.

Easier said than done, but that doesn't make it any less true.

So, are there more things we can do when we find ourselves a little off the trail? Absolutely. But I hope this "starter-pack" of thoughts on it will help. And I suppose I need to think on them myself moving forward!

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