Your Compass in the Woods
Judges 6:24
"Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites."
A person said to me, "I feel like I'm lost in the woods with no compass." What a helpless feeling that must have been for this person. Yet, I find that there are times when everyone surely feels that way. You're walking in the woods of life and don't know where you are going, and seemingly have no compass to direct you. That would be a helpless feeling; however, if you are saved, you do have a compass in the woods and that compass is God.
The children of Israel had different names by which they addressed God. Each name was important to the situation which they faced. For instance, when Gideon offered a sacrifice to God in a time when Israel needed peace, and he called the place where the sacrifice was made, "Jehovahshalom." The name "Jehovah" means, the self-subsisting God. In other words, He is the God of gods. There is no beginning or ending, for His power is everything. He is the eternal being that can never be changed. Everything around you may change, but Jehovah will never change. Let me show you some of the things about Jehovah that never change.
First, He is Jehovah-jireh, which means the LORD will provide. His providing hand never changes. The only One Who can provide your needs in life is God. Christian, you can always count on the fact that when you have a need, Jehovah-jireh will provide. Whenever you have a need that nobody can fill, Jehovah-jireh can fill that need.
Second, He is Jehovah-nissi, which mean He is your banner. Every country has a flag that they fly. That flag is their identity, it is their banner. God wants you to know that He is your banner. Do you know what that means for you? That means that you are on the winning side. He has already won the war, and as long as you stay under that banner, no matter how hopeless it may seem, you have already won.
Third, He is Jehovah-shalom, which means the LORD sends peace. You may feel like your life is in turmoil, but He is the God Who can give you peace in times of turmoil. Whenever you need peace in your heart, call to Jehovah-shalom for that peace and you will find it.
Fourth, He is Jehovah-shammah, which means He will be there. Whenever you step out by faith and wonder if God will come through, He will be there. God never forsakes you no matter what you may face. If He tells you to do something, He will come through and be there for you.
Fifth, He is Jehovah-tsidke, which means He is your righteousness. He settled that on the cross. You have no righteousness of yourself to which you can boast, but the only righteousness you have is in Jesus Christ.
Christian, you may think that you are in the woods without a compass, let me encourage you that Jehovah is your compass in the woods. You don't have to wander through the woods of life without a compass, for He is your all-in-all. He is everything you will ever need. Don't feel like you are going through life without a compass, for Jehovah is your compass of life.