Life has a way of throwing us off course, to the point where we find ourselves lost and longing for guidance. If you're a believer, you often hear quirky things like the need to learn to follow our GPS ("God's positioning system"). We can listen to a thousand scriptures, a thousand prayers, and a thousand words of encouragement. But if we're truly honest, there comes a point where we simply want things to fall into place and finally work out. You reach a point where the words and reminders no longer benefit you; instead, they can become irritating when you hear them repeatedly without seeing any progress in your life.
I've found that in times like these, when I'm feeling lost and uncertain, it is important to take intentional actions to reacquaint myself with who I am, my purpose, and regain a sense of direction. This is not an exhaustive list, but here are seven tips, each accompanied by a scripture verse, to provide guidance when you feel lost in life.
1. Pause. Stop. Don't make any more unnecessary decisions in this state.
One of the worst things you can do when you are feeling lost is to keep piling on more and more problems. We start to search frantically for any opportunity, believing that having multiple options increases our chances of success. It becomes even more frustrating when none of those decisions pan out or turn out the way we desire them to. It's not about making any decisions, but rather about making the right decisions. One of the best pieces of advice I received from my mom is that "just because you're in motion doesn't mean you're making progress".
Instead, break away from your routine, find a peaceful place, and give yourself the gift of stillness. This pause provides an opportunity to gain perspective and clarity.
Scripture Verse: Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
2. Digitally Unplug.
After watching the movie "The Social Dilemma," I reassessed my screen time habits. Taking extended breaks from social media made me realize the significant impact it has on my mental health. Our brains are not equipped to handle the constant influx of information, updates, and stimulation. It can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety.
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Constant exposure to the digital world can also lead to confusion when trying to find your purpose in life with God. When seeking God's guidance, it is important to minimize the influence of other voices that bombard you with their opinions and ideas. One way to achieve this is by taking a break from screens and social media for a while. Disconnecting from the noise allows you to reconnect with your inner self and discover what truly matters.
Scripture Verse: Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
3. Pray for guidance, wisdom, and direction.
Once we silence our world with all of the other distractions, it becomes so much easier to hear the voice of God in prayer. A lot of times, when we begin to experience a place of feeling stuck as if we can’t move forward, it’s an indication that we may not be on the path that God has destined for us. We have free will to do and live life however we desire, but there’s our way, and then there’s the perfect way; His way. When we deviate from His course, and when we seek our own will, leaning on our own understanding, it leads to chaos and repeated, unwanted cycles.
Prayer is a powerful tool to find guidance and inner peace on your journey to discovering or rediscovering your purpose. It’s an opportunity to get acquainted with our heavenly father and find out where we’re missing it. For some, we may find that our biggest issue is that we’ve drifted away from our lifeline and we’re sinking because we need to reconnect and stay connected to Him.
Seek solace in your faith, turn to God in prayer, and share your worries and hopes with Him.
Scripture Verse: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
4. Listen for the voice of God.
Prayer shouldn't be a monologue where you endlessly spout off your requests and needs to God. You must also listen for the counsel of God by allowing yourself to be led by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
I remember when I initially made a career change to counseling. I had a degree, but I was not licensed. I was a young widow at the time, with a 5-month-old. My first husband passed away when our son was only 2 months old. My life was in turmoil, but it reached a point where I desired to start rebuilding my life. We had moved closer to our family for support, and while in my hometown, I began searching for a job. There was a local counseling position open that I would never apply for because I did not meet the qualifications for the job.
A few weeks passed, and the job remained vacant. I felt compelled to apply for this position. I took a leap of faith and applied, and I was hired within a week. They helped me complete all my clinical hours, exam preparation, and everything else. I really just followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit and was able to start rebuilding a life for my son and myself. That job would also serve as the opportunity I needed once I remarried and had to relocate to another city. It provided me with possibilities that I hadn't even anticipated.
What if I ignored the leading of the Holy Spirit and did not apply for the job? I would have lost out on an amazing opportunity.
Sometimes, the answers we seek are already waiting to be discovered. I'm from down south, Georgia. The older generations have a saying, "While you're trying to figure it out, God has already worked it out."
Scripture Verse: Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
5. Don’t Rush It.
We live in a world full of haste, where the goal is to get there quickly. Life isn't a sprint to see who can get there first. It's easy to get consumed with what other people are doing and begin to feel like we're falling behind, needing to catch up, or running out of time. This could very well be a season in which God is teaching you how to wait and have patience. He is also building the fruit of the Spirit within you, which can be beneficial in every aspect of life. Many people achieve success and then lose it because they lack the character to maintain it.
Rushing to a resolution during a time of vulnerability can lead to irrational decision-making, which may cause more harm than good. While waiting for the voice of God, many of us are guilty of pursuing our own desires because we feel that God's answer is "taking too long."
Avoid rushing into decisions when you're feeling lost in life. Take your time to consider your options and their consequences as you seek to align your life with your purpose in God.
Scripture Verse: Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
6. Learn About Yourself.
As time passes and you age, your likes and dislikes change as you go through life transitions. Some of us are stuck because we are pursuing old dreams that may have suited our lives initially, but no longer align with who and where we are now. If you experienced trauma at a young age and have undergone extensive counseling and healing. You will find that the things you tolerated and settled for when you were unhealed are not the things that inspire you as you heal. It's okay to take time to learn about yourself. What do you like and dislike at this stage of your life? What do you need? What holds sentimental value for you? Maybe you have experienced a significant loss or grief, which has altered your perception of many things. What do you need to move forward? Be honest with yourself.
Self-discovery is a crucial step in finding your way and discovering your purpose in life with God. Understand your passions, values, and dreams. The more you know about yourself, the clearer your path will become.
Scripture Verse: Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
7. Be Willing to Let Go.
Sometimes, we hold onto things long after their expiration dates in our lives. It could be items, friendships, jobs, grudges, unforgiveness, or even fear. When we cling to things that no longer serve us, we leave no space to embrace new opportunities. Some things are harder to let go of than others, but many of us are aware of the things that we're holding on to and need to release, yet we haven't done so.
You can't experience the best that your future has to offer while simultaneously trying to drag everything from your past along. Be willing to let go of what hinders your progress and embrace new opportunities, avenues, and chances to experience something different and forward-moving.
Scripture Verse: Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Remember, feeling lost in life is a temporary phase in your journey of discovering your purpose with God. By following these tips and seeking guidance from scripture, you can rediscover your path and move forward with renewed purpose and faith.