Navigating the Storms of Life

Hello, and welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Today's reading, titled Navigating the Storms of Life, was written by Lisa Samra. On July 16, 1999, the small plane piloted by John F. Kennedy, Jr., crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Investigators determined the cause of the accident to be a common error known as spatial disorientation. This phenomenon occurs when, due to poor visibility, pilots become disoriented and forget to rely on their instruments to help them successfully reach their destination. As we navigate life, there are often times when life gets so overwhelming we feel disoriented. A cancer diagnosis, the death of a loved one, a job loss, a betrayal by a friend, life's unexpected tragedies can easily leave us feeling lost and confused. When we find ourselves in these kinds of situations, we might try offering the prayer of Psalm 43. In this psalm, the psalmist is overwhelmed and feeling lost because he feels surrounded by evil and injustice. In despair, the psalmist pleads with God to provide his sure guidance to help him safely navigate through the situation to his desired destination, God's presence. In God's presence, the psalmist knows he will find renewed hope and joy. What are the tools the psalmist requests for guidance? The light of truth and the assurance of God's presence by his Holy Spirit. When you're feeling disoriented and lost, God's faithful guidance through his Spirit and his loving presence can comfort you and light your way.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Psalm 43. Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. You are God, my stronghold.

Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send me your light and your faithful care. Let them lead me, let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with a lyre, O God, my God. Why my soul are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you that you haven't left us alone in the challenging and disorienting circumstances of life. Please help us to rely on you. Help us by guiding our steps today. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.