October 23, 2026
In a Boat in the Middle of the Lake
Fear is natural when perilous situations arise. Fear not! Though a thousand are on our left and ten thousand on our right, our God is with us. He is our shield and our Savior.
It is a given we will encounter conflict, trouble and adversarial situations in this life. Knowing our God is with us, knowing His power and majesty are waiting to deliver us, gives us confidence and courage to prevail in this world.
Being called by our Lord is a huge honor. I remember my own Salvation when I had planned a solo weekend of watching two VHS movies. The long ones. Like Sound of Music. But my Father had a different plan. He sent me to my keyboard where I spent hours playing hymns. Finally, I got up to go get lunch and I dropped to my knees. “What do you want, God?” I cried. He wanted me. It was a Saturday afternoon. I prayed. I talked to Him. I promised to go to church the next morning. And from that day until now I have happily served my God. His rewards and His love have sustained me always.
We may be required to walk in places where there could be danger. Even our freeways have become centers of road rage and aggression. In such situations, we must trust God. In danger and peril, we must believe God is with us. God loves us as we are, even though He is leading us toward His will and His desire for the plan of our lives. It is important we take God’s opinion of ourselves and relax into His approval. He loves us. Until we choose to please and follow Him, we will never reach His greatest plan for our lives.
Dear Lord, there are so many choices in life. So many decisions. Thank You for the times You have corrected my friend list, for leading me away from habits, addictions, and temptations that have the possibility off leading me away from Your will. I love following You, Father. I love seeing families choose calm and happiness over the frustrating examples of people vying for power. Help me bask in Your peace and never choose worldly gifts over love.
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.