Pressure builds in my head, and it begins to ache. My chest tightens and my breathing becomes shallower. The answers to my husband become short, harsh, and increasingly louder. As my frustration, anxiety and irritation increase, muddled thinking sets in and I become confused then everything else revs up.

The problem is I don’t trust the GPS on my phone. It has steered me wrong before, and I don’t want to get lost again. I want to be in control, to know we are going the right way, the best way.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and it consists of three parts:

1-the Space segment

    -this is a series of satellites positioned above the earth that fly in prearranged orbits and transmit radio signals to each other and then to earth.

2- the Control segment

     -the control segment is a group of facilities that contain worldwide monitors and control stations operated by military personnel to ensure the performance and maintenance of the satellites.

3-the User segment

     -this is our phone or car navigation system that receives the information, calculates where we are and shows us.

So, it’s a bunch of metal, wires and teeny, tiny chips floating in space sending waves of information down to more metal, wires and bits, telling us where to go and how. That is a simplified explanation of a complex system.

One thing I have learned about metal, wires and bits is they are not dependable. They break down, fall apart and glitch. So, putting my life in their hands does not give me a warm fuzzy feeling. The exact opposite happens.

During my latest excursion with my husband and the GPS, I realized I feel the same way about life. I want to be in control. I want to know where I am going, how I will get there and that I will get to my destination safely and happily.

Life doesn’t work that way though. I think I am in control and know exactly where and how everything should work, and then it doesn’t. People disappoint me and go their own way, the dream falls flat despite my best efforts, the unknown and unexpected drop out of nowhere, and my control slips through my fingers like water.

But there is a GPS that is 100% trustworthy and reliable.

The God Planning System. It also consists of three parts:

1-the Sovereignty segment

    -God is the Ruler of all things, knows all things and created all things. He knows exactly where everything is at each moment in time and how it all works together for our good and His glory.

2-the Control segment

     -God is in control of all things at all times. There is no guesswork with Him, nothing beyond His understanding or sight. Nothing comes to us as believers that He has not already seen and allowed for reasons beyond our comprehension.

3-the User segment

     -we get to choose what we do with the information God has supplied us. He has given us, by His grace, His written Word. The whole world is full of His glory (Isaiah 6:3 NIV) and speaks to our souls. We either trust Him and follow His guidance or go our own way and stay lost.

I have found when I place my life in the God Planning System, it never fails me. Even when life feels out of control, confusing, frustrating and scary, the Lord is always there, His Word always rings true, and His way and timing always guide me on the best path.

Sisters, we don’t have to travel this life alone or without a guide. The most reliable GPS ever is right by our side. Have you tried it out? It has proved faithful to millions for generations and safely guided them home. I know, I am one.

Be well!

Patricia