FCA ResourcesDevotional
True North
By Mark Long
Ready
“Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise you with the lyre, God, my God.” - Psalm 43:3-4
Set
Most adventure races involve a segment of orienteering, where participants must navigate through rugged terrain using a map and compass. The objective is to find various checkpoints and complete the race in the shortest time possible. Once in an adventure race, our team missed a crucial checkpoint and ended up several miles off course. However, using our map and compass, we established our position, and reoriented to get back on course.
The magnetic needle in a compass is aligned with the earth's magnetic field, and therefore always points to the Magnetic North Pole. This pole shifts and changes over time. True North is actually found hundreds of miles north of the Magnetic Pole. True North is fixed, constant and unchanging.
The ways of the world can be compared to the Magnetic North, which is always shifting and changing. If we follow the trends, distractions or the opinions of others, we can easily lose sight of our purpose and miss the destination God has for us. As followers of Christ, we are called to look to Jesus and His Word as our True North. In John 8:31-32, Jesus told the believers, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Jesus is our True North. His teachings are the light and truth that keep us on track. When we reorient our lives toward Him, we align ourselves with the unchanging truth of God’s Word. This alignment gives us direction, purpose and freedom from the distractions that threaten to pull us off course.
Go
- What distractions and worldly influences tend to pull you off course?
- In what areas of your life do you need to recalibrate and realign yourself with God’s direction.
- What does True North mean to you, and how can you keep your focus on it in daily life?
Overtime
"Father, there are times when I get off course and lose sight of Your direction for my life. Thank You for always guiding me back to You, for always providing the compass of Your Word to recalibrate my heart and mind. Help me to live with Jesus as my True North, to follow His teachings and remain focused on Him. May my life reflect His light, and may I always find my way into Your presence. Magnificent God, my God, I give You thanks. Amen."
Group