What do parents teach their children to do if they ever get lost? Stay where you are. I will find you
The innocent curiosity of a child (what is that?) and desire for knowledge (how, why?) can sometimes lead to trouble. How many stories have we heard of children wandering off and getting lost in the woods? When a child gets tired or tires of whatever thing drew him into the woods, all they know is that they want to go home. But when they look away from the object of their curiosity in the woods the first thing that happens is panic. They look around and realize nothing is familiar. Everything is disorienting. "Where am I?" Noises and shapes that never bothered them before leave them trembling now that they are alone. They immediately start to run around looking for the way back. They call out for their Mom and Dad. But the more they meander around the more lost they get. At some point they just stop. They are exhausted and the only thing left is tears. Maybe they fall asleep but when they awaken hungry and thirsty they are just too overwhelmed to move. And that's when they start hearing their named called.
As adults we have a thirst for knowledge and understanding. And in times of crisis that need is multiplied by 1000. We want to know the "why?" and "how?" because generally we are looking beyond understanding, we are looking to fix or control an outcome. This seeking is not a bad thing, not at all. It is that curiosity or desire born out of adversity that has resulted in the many great leaders, inventions, etc. in this world. As a Christian it is natural to lean on God in times of crisis. You feel lost. As such, it is common for us to start digging deeper to try and manage all the emotions and if we are honest, to change the outcome. You focus on God, you pray more, you go to Church more, you read and research...but nothing changes. And since nothing has changed you must not be doing enough. "I must not be getting it. I must be misinterpreting what he wants". So you do more. You talk to more people. You consult forums, research scripture analysis online. Oh my aching head (I am challenged by the information overload all the time as my nature is science and logic oriented so I am guilty of seeking absolutes). Rather than making headway you simply are left feeling more lost and confused. STOP! Stay where you are. Just as a child lost in the woods, go ahead and cry, kick at the rocks, have a temper tantrum...just let it out..all of it. STOP seeking to control the outcome. Just tell him everything. The good, bad and the ugly, from fears and frustrations to desires. STOP trying to map all your knowledge into a definition of a good Christian. Simply look into your heart and be honest about what you believe and don't worry about getting it perfect. Be still and let God find you.
