We often live life on autopilot. We go to school, get a job, raise our family, and plan for retirement all simply because it’s what we’re suppose to do.

But there are moments in which we start wonder if we’re actually doing anything meaningful with our life. And a nameless feeling of being lost and directionless starts to emerge.

It’s no longer enough to merely earn a living and know how to fulfill our basic adult responsibilities. We sense there’s more.

But it’s hard to name because on the surface everything often looks great with very little to complain about.

It’s on a deeper soul level that we feel lost.

A lost soul is one that drifts through life without deep purpose and direction – one disconnected from the larger story God is telling. And this speaks to the condition of our daily lives more than our ultimate destination.

Are we adrift at sea? Or can we direct our life toward some meaningful purpose and vision? 

Our pride often keeps us lost, and even from asking for directions.

Everyone else seems to have it figured out and we assume we’re the only one struggling to find our way.

But as we begin to listen to each other’s stories we realize this is a shared experience by many. Even those who discovered their calling early often still go through many dark nights trying to navigate each season.

In any case, we don’t find our way by ignoring or pretending we’re not lost. The first step is to name it and not to run from this inner void, ache, and longing for more that we experience.

This doesn’t immediately fix anything and we’re likely still trying to find our way. But befriending reality goes a long way.

It’s okay to be lost, but don’t stay there. Connect with others and do the work to find your way.

Photo by Simon Migaj on Unsplash

Dr. Corey Carlisle

Dr. Corey Carlisle

Licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist - providing Christian counseling and soul care to individuals and couples, with a special emphasis on developing the masculine soul. Suwanee, GA 30024

Leave a Reply