In the days before driving directions on phones, navigation systems built into cars and GPS devices, I often got lost.

On one of those days, I headed to a weekend retreat with two friends.

About 90 minutes into our journey, we realized that we were lost. I said that we should just keep driving and, surely, there would be a sign that would direct us to our destination.

My friend who was driving disagreed.

“No,” she said. “When you’re lost, you go back to the last place that you knew you were on the right road.”

We backtracked to the crossroad when our wrong turns began. I walked into the convenience store on the corner and received directions that put us right back on track.

Although it’s been years since that experience, I believe my friend’s advice is timeless.

Whenever I have found myself lost or directionless with regards to relationships, career or how I spend my days, I go back to the last time I knew that I was on the right path.

I ask myself to pinpoint the last time I had peace and security and just knew that I was doing the right thing.

Then I try to figure out where I went wrong and how I can get back on the right path.

I find a quiet moment to pray and ask God for wisdom and direction.

I lean on His words in Psalm 32:8, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Sometimes this process involves talking to a wise and trusted friend who I know will encourage and challenge me.

I’ve found it futile to keep moving forward until I figure out where I went wrong, correct my steps and get back on track.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.