Grace Amid the Chaos

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Our reading titled Grace Amid the Chaos was written by Adam R. Holes. I was drifting off into an impromptu nap when it hit me. From the basement, my son ripped a cord on his electric guitar. The walls reverberated.

No peace, no quiet, no nap. Moments later, competing music greeted my ears, my daughter playing Amazing Grace on the piano. Normally, I love my son's guitar playing, but in that moment, it jarred and unsettled me. Just as quickly, the familiar notes of John Newton's hymn reminded me that grace thrives amid the chaos. No matter how loud, unwanted, or disorienting, the storms of life might be, God's notes of grace ring clear and true, reminding us of his watchful care over us.

We see that reality in Scripture. In Psalm 107, verses 23 through 32, sailors struggle mightily against a maelstrom that could easily devour them. In their peril, their courage melted away. Still, they didn't despair but cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. Finally, we read, they were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

In chaotic moments, whether they're life-threatening or merely sleep-threatening, the barrage of noise and fear can storm our souls. But as we trust God and pray to him, we experience the grace of his presence and provision, the haven of his steadfast love. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Psalm 107, verses 23 through 32. Some went out on the sea and ships. They were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.

For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths. In their peril, their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards.

They were at their wits' end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper. The waves of the sea were hushed.

They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the counsel of the elders. Let us pray. Father, help us to remember to call out to you when the waters of life are rising and rushing around us. Help us to offer hope to others and remind them of your love and presence. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. I'm Stephen, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.