Through waters uncharted my soul will embark
I'll follow your voice straight into the dark
And if from the course you intend
I depart
Speak to the sails of my wandering heart
Like the wind
You'll guide
Clear the skies before me
And I'll glide this open sea
Like the Stars
Your Word
Will align my voyage
And remind me where I've been
And where I am going
Lost in the shallows amidst fear and fog
Your truth is the compass that points me back north
Jesus, My Captain
My Soul's trusted Lord
All my allegiance is rightfully Yours.
- Captain, Hillsong United (2015)
As an account manager, I find myself sometimes project-managing new developments. My role is to ensure the project stays on track and the direction of work, as agreed in the scope, is met. Whilst there may be meticulous guidelines and requirements in place, often assumptions are still made and as such roadblocks occur—requiring careful navigation.
I find life is similar.
No matter how clear the goals, no matter how well we plan, no matter how many times we've done it before—life still throws curveballs and this means we need to navigate uncharted territory.
This song, Captain, articulates this adventure of giving God complete control over our lives. Our hearts often wander; yet we are constantly reminded how far we have come and be reassured where we are going, because of the godly truths.
For instance, it says in Psalm 37, verses 5–6: 'Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun' or in Proverbs chapter 3, verses 5–6, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight'.
Setting into a new year can either be automatic, excitement and visionary expectation may have worn off and it's time to settle back into the routine, the tasks, the lack of seeming accomplishments; but then trust the God truth's to point us back north.
The truth in Psalm 30, verse 11, 'You (God) turned my wailing into dancing; you (God) removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.'
The truth in Deuteronomy chapter 28, verse 8, 'The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.'
The truth in Psalm 46, verse 1, 'God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble.'
The truth in Romans chapter 8, verses 37–39, '...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'
Following the voice of God through a dark season is not the easiest, nor the fastest, but facing uncharted territory any other way is not the wisest. As it says in Psalm 56, verse 3: 'When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.'
Meenal Chandra is a Sydney-based writer who points north when it gets dark.
Meenal Chandra's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/meenal-chandra.html