A CALMING PRESENCE

ISAIAH 43:2 (NLT)
When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.

MATTHEW 8:26 (NLT)
Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God carries us through the choppy waters.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for your calming presence. I confess that my first inclination is to try to make it through the rough waters on my own. I don't even think that I should be turning to you -- until the panic sets in. But you're there in the midst of it all. Help me to learn how to turn to you first so as to avoid the panic stage altogether. I'm not going to let fear get the better of me. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.