It was one of those “raining cats and dog” days! The cloud cover was so thick, it was hard to believe the sun had already lifted its lazy head for the day. Because of the condition of the roads, I was extra careful as I drove down the winding country road toward the little church where our meeting was to take place. As I approached a curve in the road ahead, my car began to spin, making a complete circle in the middle of the road, then gently sliding off the road into a ditch. By then, my car was headed in the opposite direction.

I got out of my car – unscathed, and started walking toward, what looked like, a one room schoolhouse. I opened the door and, sure enough, the teacher was standing in front of the class. I first apologized for the intrusion, and then asked her where I might get some help to get my car out of the ditch. Without acknowledging my presence, she began to give instructions to the children, as if the scenario was a daily routine. Before I knew it, “Farmer Brown” was there with his tractor and equipment to pull my car out of the ditch.

The thing I remember most about that experience was my feelings as my car went spinning around in the middle of the road. There was a calmness of spirit and a prayer on my lips.

Stop for a moment and recall an experience in your own life when you felt the overwhelming presence of God with you. I love the way the New Living Translation expresses the words of this Psalm. “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken for he is right beside me.”

Pray:

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.

Supplication: Petition God for spiritual insight and understanding of His Word. Ask Him to help you know what is His direction and purpose for your life. Intercede for other believers, personal friends, those in ministry and those who are oppressed and in need. Offer prayers for your activities for this day and any special concerns you might have.