I have no idea how it happened, but it did. For the first time since 2004 I sent out a devotional that required a password to open. So sorry for that. I re-sent it without that restriction but by then some of you thought I had gone ‘woke’ or something more sinister. Please be aware that anything I send out, once it leaves my computer belongs to whosoever will. Use it, share it, ignore it… whatever. But if God gave it to me and I sent it out, then it belongs to you.

God does some amazing work in our lives while we paddle through deep waters.

God always answers us in the deeps, never in the shallows of our soul.

Amy Carmichael

I don’t know if this statement has been scientifically proven, but I love knowing that God answers us while we go through ‘deep waters.’

To be honest we all prefer ‘shallow’ times of ease, merriment and security, all of which are currently in short supply. We’re learning just how tough living is when the wrong people are making the rules. (Proverbs 29:2)

Our current times beg sincere prayers answered by a compassionate Heavenly Father.

I’m sure you are more than aware of current conditions: crazy inflation, a very porous fence around our nation, crazy teachers trying to radicalize and indoctrinate our kids, roving bands of viruses attacking our bodies, insane costs for filling our gas tanks and much, much more.

It’s enough to paralyze us with fear and drown out any hope for a future.

However, there is another story being told and it’s been on the books (actually the Book) for thousands of years. It’s God’s voice, telling his story and offering his promises to calm our souls. Listen to what He has said:

Isaiah 41:13 NIV “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”Here is a God who doesn’t just send you notes, He holds your hand!

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.” When deep waters, rivers of difficulty and fires of oppression engulf me, He is with me in all of those times. Since I am going ‘through’ them, I know that ultimate victory is mine.

Psalm 23:1-3 NLT “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Notice that when others around me are worried, calculating options, sleeping poorly and constantly confused, God has me in a restful place, enjoying peace while He renews my strength and is guiding me continuously.

Don’t fear the ‘deeps’ that surround you. Meet God daily in prayer and in his life-giving Word and take your daily cues from Him. He has your steps planned with great love and care.