November 10, 2025

WHEN UNCERTAIN AND DISTRESSED

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Psalm 16:7–11 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

David expresses deep trust in God even during uncertainty and pain. We don’t know the exact situation he was facing when he wrote this psalm, but the truths he declares are timeless and universal.

Interestingly, Peter (Acts 2:25–31) and Paul (Acts 13:35–37) both quoted this psalm in the New Testament, pointing to Jesus’ resurrection as its ultimate fulfillment. Yet these words also hold powerful application for every believer who follows Jesus.

In this passage, we find three life-giving truths that anchor our faith and fill us with hope:

1. I Know the Lord Is Always with Me

This is a bold statement of confidence in God’s constant presence. Even when life feels unfair, painful, or uncertain, we can rest in the assurance that God has not abandoned us.

Jesus affirmed this same promise when He said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

When we remind ourselves of God’s nearness, it gives us courage to face anything. We can stand firm and refuse to be shaken. The presence of God brings peace even in chaos.

2. I Rejoice

David’s joy wasn’t rooted in his circumstances — it was rooted in God Himself.

Too often, our awareness of problems overshadows our awareness of God’s presence. But joy is a choice, not a feeling. Happiness depends on what happens to us, but joy depends on Who is within us.

Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). When the Holy Spirit is active in our lives, He produces joy that remains steady regardless of what we face.

I enjoy watching American football and have my favorite teams — but years ago I decided that a loss on the field wasn’t going to steal my joy. I’ve made that same choice about life’s bigger challenges. I refuse to let temporary circumstances rob me of the joy that comes from the Lord.

3. I Will Rest in Safety

Resting in the middle of trouble doesn’t come naturally. Many of us know what it’s like to lie awake at night, minds racing to solve problems we can’t control.

But when we choose to trust in God’s presence and rejoice in His goodness, peace begins to settle our hearts.

Philippians 4:7 reminds us that God gives “a peace which surpasses all understanding.” It’s not logical. It’s supernatural. And it’s available to those who decide to trust and rejoice, even before circumstances change.

That kind of peace allows us to truly rest — not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally — knowing that our lives are safe in God’s hands.

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TODAY'S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me to trust in Your presence, to rejoice in every season, and to rest in Your peace always.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”