It was late winter and I found myself driving in falling snow for the first time ever! A retreat had called me from our warm, wet valley higher to the mountains where the precipitation quickly turned to snow. I thank God the roads were clear, visibility was good, and drivers were taking their time. But soon I learned that some of my car’s guidance and driving features were not working. Warnings flashed letting me know among other things that I had no radar and therefore no cruise control. Snow-covered sensors were inoperable.

We drive into similar situations in our spiritual lives. Our senses or spiritual awareness becomes dull, our vision blurred, and hearing muffled or muted. It seems difficult to receive God’s guidance or sense His nearness.

That means, time for a checkup. James says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8). The truth is God promises throughout Scripture that He will never leave us so we remind ourselves of this fact. Then we examine our hearts. Is there disobedience or sin we are hanging on to? When we ask earnestly, the Holy Spirit will reveal areas that need a good washing or adjustment.

Paul points out that believers are no longer immoral or evil doers. He says, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11b). Since God has cleansed us, may we regularly check to make sure our hearts and actions are aligned with Him and His Word. Our spiritual clarity increases as we cruise where He leads with our senses fixed on Him.