Life-preserver in Rough Seas

Today's Reading: Psalm 96

O Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.  Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.   For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.  For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.  Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.  Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.  Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.  Worship the LORD in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.  Say among the nation, "The LORD is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.  He will judge the peoples with equity."  Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it.  Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth.  He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

     This is a psalm of praise to God.  It is also a "command" for us to worship God for He is worthy to be praised.  As I stand on the brink of despair and frustration, this psalm reminds me to see the blessings in my life and praise God for them and they will be my life-preserver pulling me out of the rough waters I am in to the safety of God's arms.
     Read this devotion this morning and just felt led to share it with you.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.  --Romans 5: 1-2
People have scoured every nook and cranny of the globe in search of peace.  But every new road eventually leads to the dead end of dissatisfaction.  The only true and lasting peace comes from Jesus Christ.
     Read this also and felt led to share:
A Compass For Life's Journey:
Proverbs 3:1-6
My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you.  Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
If you've ever been lost in the woods, you know the concerns, confusion, and panic this situation causes.  Now think what a difference it would make to know that a compass was in your pocket.  
     Spiritually speaking, we have such a compass--God's Word.  But it does no good unless we let it guide us.  Yet at times, we may fail to follow its direction because of ...
1. Neglect.  Sometimes we are so busy walking through life that we forget to look at God's compass to make sure we're headed in the right direction.
2. Pride.  Oftentimes we want to determine the destiny ourselves.  Relying on our own strength, understanding, and abilities, we plan our own route.
3. Distractions.  God's path of obedience isn't always easy.  In fact, sometimes it can be extremely challenging.  Satan offers other trails that promise pleasure and ease if we will just ignore the compass and follow him.  Although these trails seem pleasant at first, they lead to heartbreak and discouragement.
4. Difficulties.  Whenever obstacles appear on the trail, our natural tendency is to try and find a way around them.  But by ignoring God's compass and stepping off the path, we'll miss the blessings He wants to give us through the rough patches--strong faith and godly character.
Early Light:
Why should we wander when the Lord's compass is available?   Let Scripture be your guide on life's journey.  God promises to give you productive days and fruitful years if you follow His path.  He'll direct each step of your way, and His peace will sustain you, even during difficult times.
--Charles F. Stanley