The Privileged Life: Finding a Way Out of “Lost”

“‘For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:24)

Getting lost in the wilderness is easier than you’d imagine. And getting back out can be tricky. 

I personally know of three incidents where folks became lost in the woods, and all three required rescues.

The latest involved one of our teenaged great-nephews. When his dog ran into the woods behind his home, he took off after it…only to get disoriented when he started back, going deeper in the dusky forest. When he didn’t return home by nightfall, his family sent out an alert to their church friends. A big crew of them showed up and fanned out into the woods until they found him, safe and sound (thank You, Jesus).

It’s a pretty spooky experience to be lost in a wilderness. Justifiable fears take over—risk of injury, hypothermia, attack by a bear (or mountain lions…a few have come back to Appalachia), and more. As hours or even days pass without discovery, rational thinking disintegrates in the throes of hunger, thirst, and exposure to the elements.

How do you find your way out?

The obvious solution is not to get lost in the first place. Don’t hike alone, but if you do, tell someone ahead of time exactly where you’re going. Carry a cellphone, but they’re unreliable in the middle of nowhere…don’t count on reception for texting or GPS. Take a printed trail map with you.

Whether you plan to hike for a few hours or overnight, pack a few essentials—water, food, a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, pocketknife, large black plastic trash bag (to wrap around you when temperatures drop), tissue paper, a small hand towel, and insect repellent.

Those are all practical items, but no one really sets out on a hike intending to get lost. What else can you have on hand that could help you get to safety?

Add two more items to your packing essentials—a compass and a whistle. 

If you’ve studied a map ahead of time or have one with you, a compass will guide you back in the direction you started or toward the closest civilization. I’ve heard it said, too, that if you come across a creek, follow it downstream to leave the woods (might work in Appalachia, not sure about other regions). 

A whistle is really helpful. If search teams are out looking for you, they will find you a lot faster following the screech of a whistle rather than your cries for help, particularly if you’re already hoarse from shouting. 

Don’t have a whistle? You can make one out of an acorn cap. Put your thumbs across the cap with knuckles touching, making a triangular opening at the top. Blow against the sharp edge to make a whistling sound. Practice it this autumn as acorns fall.

All of us get lost in life at times and can’t seem to find our way back. We wander in circles as darkness closes in, feeling helpless and alone in a vast wilderness with no way out. 

But God has not lost us. He knows exactly where we are, and He provides a way back to safety in His loving arms. To make that happen, He has given us a “compass” (His word) and a “whistle” (communication with Him through prayer). 

The Bible points us to true north—to the truth of God’s love, His wisdom, and His grace over us. If we trust in Him, He has assured us He is always with us and will never abandon us.

And He hears our prayers—our shrill cries for help when we are in the darkness, when we need His light. Jesus is our Rescuer and sends us His Holy Spirit to guide our souls out of danger…even when we think He’s not listening.

Friend, you never need to fear the wilderness (in the woods or among skyscrapers) or the dangers of the evil one if you put your faith in God, in His word, and in His promises. 

Be prepared with His word—a mighty sword to defend you from your enemies. And call upon Him to help in your day of distress.

May the Lord who created heaven and earth guard you in the palm of His hand as you step out into the wilds. You will never lose your way with Him at your side.

Holy Spirit, be my guide every step of my journey on this earth, whether short or long. Jesus, defend me from the terrors I encounter in this rugged world…let Your word be the Lamp unto my feet and the Light upon my path. Father God, strengthen me to face the challenges, and remind me of Your faithfulness in every trial…may I rest and rejoice in Your grace to me always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her weekly blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom.

© Copyright 2024 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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