Overview:
The article discusses the concept of a "verbal GPS" that could guide people when they are about to say or do something wrong. It highlights the importance of submitting to the power of the Holy Spirit, which can provide divine direction and guidance in all areas of life. The article also notes that the more we use GPS, the more familiar it becomes with our most common destinations, and similarly, the more we listen to the Holy Spirit, the more we can recognize its still small voice leading and guiding us.
Even though the technology is common, I’m still fascinated by GPS. It’s amazing to me how it immediately responds to my driving errors and provides quick solutions. “Rerouting…rerouting…please make a u-turn in 50 feet.” Spoken calmly and without emotion, these words from my GPS a few years ago made me realize that once again, despite my best efforts, I’d gotten lost. However, after I rerouted (and followed its new directions), it still took me just a few minutes to get back on track.
Honestly, it’s frustrating as one who has always been directionally challenged, that even using a GPS correctly, I get lost. Now, I could blame it on the device or the traffic construction that is all over Dallas – Fort Worth, which makes for many unexpected detours. Whatever the reason, the bottom line is I have a hard time following the directions. It’s not that I don’t want to follow the directions, I just find myself confused about when to turn, etc. However, the GPS is quick to tell me that I’ve turned too quickly or gone too far.
I was having a conversation with some people a few years ago about needing a verbal GPS to put us back on track when we say or do something that is wrong. We joked that it would be great to have a device tell us “rerouting, rerouting…turn around in the next sentence” when we say something inappropriate, hurtful, crazy, or just plain foolish. The verbal GPS could stop us mid-sentence when we are about to say or do something wrong, ungodly, spiteful, or unethical.
Later, I thought about how we already have a spiritual GPS, and it’s called the Holy Spirit. Scriptures say that the Holy Spirit comes to guide us and provide guidance when we need it. If we submit to the power of the Holy Spirit, we will receive divine direction. A reminder that the Holy Spirit can provide direction in all areas of our lives is found in John 14:26: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” In addition, John 16:8-9 describes how the Holy Spirit will work: “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin.” If we allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit and follow its direction, we will find ourselves heading in the right direction and, if we get lost, able to make the necessary adjustments to get back on track.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about GPS, especially Google Maps, is that the more you use it, the more familiar it becomes with your most common destinations. Sometimes I don’t have to put my work address in because once I start on the route, the GPS automatically realizes it. In much the same way, the more we listen with intentionality to the Holy Spirit, the more we can recognize its still small voice leading and guiding us.
Shewanda Riley is a Dallas, Texas-based author of “Love Hangover: Moving From Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends” and “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for Writers.” Email her at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @shewanda.