Encouragement for Today
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July 4, 2024 Confident in the Captain |
“Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.” Psalm 27:3 (NLT)
For as long as I can remember, our family has spent the Fourth of July — U.S. Independence Day — at our favorite beach. The fireworks display tops off what has become a tradition etched in our memories and hearts.
One particular year, however, brought unexpected fear and doubt.
Someone suggested we watch the fireworks from a family member’s boat. While I love spending time on the water when the seas are calm and the sun is shining, I wasn’t so sure about being out at night. Reluctantly, I agreed.
We embarked on our adventure after waiting for a small storm to pass. What I didn’t anticipate was the rocky sea the storm had left behind. The waves jostled me. The wind whipped across my face. My confidence in our decision quickly vanished.
As the fireworks ended, relief washed over me: We could head back to land. But the trip was long, rough and dark, and I couldn’t have been more nervous. Head down and eyes squeezed shut, I began to pray. Slowly, my nerves settled.
Finally, I was able to lift my head long enough to watch my husband, the captain, navigate the boat toward home. I knew we would be safe. He grew up driving boats; if anyone could do this, it was him. It wasn’t just his experience and knowledge that assured me but also his love and commitment to our family. I fully trusted he would see us through the effects of this storm.
Although I will never choose to enter a storm, literally or figuratively, storms are inescapable parts of life. But the captain makes all the difference. God, my true Captain and yours, knows how to care for His children. Regardless of how dark it is around us or how rough the waters are beneath us, He will guide us safely to shore, perfectly navigating the effects of whatever our storms may be. We can fully trust and be confident in Him.
By God’s grace, we can be like King David, who declared, “Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident” (Psalm 27:3).
I faced dark skies and rough seas, but David faced a mighty army and an outbreak of war. Both situations warrant fear and trembling. But we can experience peace and confidence by knowing the Captain and believing He can be trusted.
Just as my husband’s experience, ability and love settled my heart, the Lord’s light, salvation and fortress-like protection strengthened David's heart (Psalm 27:1). Knowing God was trustworthy, David was confident God would see him through.
Whether the seas or our hearts are rough today, we can confidently trust our Captain. If anyone can help navigate our storms, it’s Him.
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your presence in my storm. I acknowledge that You are trustworthy, capable and caring. I trust You to see me through what I’m facing and am fully confident in You, my Captain. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
We know faith requires trust, but sometimes don’t we just want proof? When we haven’t seen God move in our lives in a while, it’s tempting to wonder if He’s really there or whether He hears our prayers. If you’ve been in this place recently, our new study is just for you — Daniel: Finding Confidence That God’s Power Is at Work. As we study Daniel together, we’ll discover just how capable the Lord is and how much careful attention He gives to everything in our lives, both big and small. Get your study guide today!
ENGAGE
Today’s devotion writer, Cara Blondo, is a member of COMPEL Training. Receive writing tips on your social media feeds when you follow COMPEL Training on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 27:1, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (NIV).
Isaiah 43:2, “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” (NLT).
How can remembering God is with you in your storm increase your confidence that He will see you through your storm?
Because our confidence is rooted in our trust, choose to meditate on a Bible verse or an experience of God's faithfulness (provision, answered prayer, etc.) that builds your trust in Him for your current situation. We’d love to hear your thoughts — share them in the comments!
© 2024 by Cara Blondo. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
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Matthews, NC 28106
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