Recently we were having dinner with our son and his family when our four year old grandson, Noah, blurted out, “Grandma, you’ll never be lost because God is always with you!” Perhaps he had recently experienced being lost or learned that truth in Sunday School or Children’s Church. Have you experienced this wonderful promise? If you know and trust God, you’ll never be lost because God is always with you. “For he hath said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus promises, “And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).

God delivered the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. But they wandered around in circles through the desert for 40 years! Their rebellion, idolatry, and unbelief caused them to lose the Promised Land. That whole generation perished in the wilderness with the exception of Joshua and Caleb. Only their children were allowed to enter the land that was “flowing with milk and honey”.

God commanded the Israelites to teach their children about God’s commandments, promises, and miracles so that the next generation would not be lost. Read about God’s solution to being lost in Psalm 78. Many children and young people are lost in America today. They are wandering in a barren wilderness – many in fatherless or faithless homes with no one to teach them the way to God and his blessings.

“We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord. We will tell of his power and the mighty miracles he did . . . He commanded our ancestors to teach them . . . so the next generation might know them – even to the children not yet born – so each generation can set its hope anew on God, remembering his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. They will not be like their ancestors – stubborn, rebellious, and unfruitful, refusing to give their hearts to God” (Psalm 78:4-8 NLT). Parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers, coaches – please teach the youth of America the wonderful life-giving truth’s of God’s Word. REMEMBER – your actions and life speak much louder than words.

How can we put into practice these truths that will keep us from losing our way?

First – WALK WITH GOD. “But he led his own people like a flock of sheep, guiding them safely through the wilderness. He kept them safe so they were not afraid” (Psalm 78:52-53). There is peace in knowing God personally and intimately as our Shepherd and Savior. (Psalm 23; John 10)

Second – WALK IN THE MIRACULOUS. (Psalm 78:32-33) Believe in God’s miracles for your life today. Don’t limit God by your unbelief. (Psalm 78:41)

Third – WALK IN OBEDIENCE. (Psalm 78:8-10) Disobedience to God has brought multitudes into a terrible state of being lost and wasted. One needs only to study the life of King Saul to see the results of rebellion and disobedience to God – Judah’s obedience resulted in much fruit and blessing. (Psalm 78:9, 68-72)

Fourth – WALK WITH THE REDEEMER. When God chastened rebellious Israel, “The rest finally sought him. They repented and turned to God. They remembered that God was their rock, that their redeemer was the Most High” (Psalm 78:34-35 NLT). (I Corinthians 10:1-13) Have you lost your way? There is a redeemer who is mighty to save. Jesus’ blood was shed on the cross to pay for our sins. (I Peter 1:17-20) The Rock that followed Israel in their wilderness journey – Christ will follow you. Turn to him in faith and repentance. We can drink daily from that rock. (John 4)

There is nothing worse than being lost. Jesus said, “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it . . . For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:34:38). As we walk with the Redeemer, he satisfies us with good things. (Psalm 80:10) “But I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock” (Psalm 80:16 NLT).

Fifth – WALK IN PRAISE. (Psalm 78:68) God chose the little tribe of Judah to establish Mt. Zion and through which He would bring the Messiah – the Savior. Judah means “Praise to God”. You will never be lost from his presence as you live a life of praise and live your life to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:5-6, 12)

“Amazing Grace how sweet the sound . . . I once was lost but now I am found.”