What’s Wrong with My Compass?
We never thought the country we live in would be affected by another nation’s conflict. The news had taken over every headline and social media post. It became a topic of conversation in all our meetings, phone calls, and WhatsApp chats. Many were filled with fear and uncertainty, wondering what the next steps were. Our church community responded with prayer, care, and support.
At first, the situation felt surreal. But for me, only briefly. While many were anxious, I felt strangely unaffected. The conflict itself did not trouble me as much as everything else in life that did. It seemed more like an adjustment: life continued, but only slower and with more caution.
I pondered why I felt this way - was it boldness, personality, or faith?
I remembered Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…” Wasn’t this the response all believers were meant to have?
A Compass and Its Declination
A compass points to the Earth’s magnetic north, not its true geographic north. The angle between the two is called magnetic declination; this angle can shift at a specific location on Earth.
I began to realise that my own inner compass had shifted, when one morning, I heard a loud bang. My first thought was that God would protect us. Later, I laughed to myself and thought, ‘If I die, I will be with Jesus. Perhaps childlike. Perhaps childish. My mixed emotions were taking over. My compass was flickering. My mind and heart were wandering.
My outward calm did not mean inward alignment.
When Quiet Time Needed Quietening
Three weeks into the conflict, I was reading through the book of John during my daily quiet time. I came to the passage where Jesus walks on water (John 6:21). There, the disciples were frightened until Jesus said, “It is I, do not be afraid.” I remembered Peter and reviewed Matthew’s account. Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. In the next moment, his focus shifted to the storm. Fear then overtook him, and he began to sink. Jesus caught him and said, “Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).
Jesus had also just fed the five thousand before this event. Why, then, was there still so little faith? Confused, I turned to the other Gospels to understand. Mark ends with these words: “For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.” (Mark 6:52). This verse took hold of me. I paused.
I understood that faith drives out fear. Fear and many other emotions, when left unchecked, could harden the heart.
My quiet time needed less analysis. It needed more quietening and more stillness. God was teaching me through the silence. My compass was beginning to stabilize.
Hope
It was Easter Sunday. During the sermon, a reference was made to 1 Peter 1:3–5 that brought everything together: “…he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…”
I realised that we place hope in many things during this life: a job, a home, family, health, wealth, safety. But as Christians, our hope is not confined to this life. It points beyond it - to our living hope in Christ, who is not of this world.
The resurrection of Jesus ultimately softened the disciples’ hearts. Faith in the risen Christ makes fear, doubt, and confusion give way to belief, understanding, and boldness. A way for those who wander to always return.
My True North
I no longer wanted my compass to point to the ‘north’ of this world. I wanted it fixed and aligned to the presence, love, and promises of God – my true north.
And slowly, through his Word, I was being discipled:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7). It is because of him that I am fearless. His love teaches me to love others. His wisdom teaches me to discern.
“Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”(Ecclesiastes 12:13). As God is sovereign, holy, and has all authority, let my only fear be one of reverence for Him.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27). True peace comes from Jesus, not from me nor from the world.
δ = 0
Delta (δ) represents the angle of magnetic declination. My delta was decreasing. My compass was realigning to His Word.
When life feels uncertain,and you are challenged, know that being overwhelmed by emotions or even feeling indifferent will only be a temporary shift. It may simply be that your compass needs realignment to scripture and allowing God to act.
Our delta will always sit between the Alpha and the Omega, for he will make our paths straight.
He will bring the wanderers and the lost home.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega… who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
(Revelation 1:8)
