I'm glad you could join us for today's encouragement from the Our Daily Bread Devotional.

Our reading is titled Safely Ashore, and it was written by Patricia Raven.

In Papua New Guinea, the Condus tribe awaited with excitement the arrival of New Testament Bibles

printed in their language. To reach the village, however, the people bringing the books

had to travel on the ocean in small boats. What gave them courage to travel across great

waters? Their seafaring skills, yes, but they also knew

who created the seas. He's the one who guides each of us across our life's churning waves and

deepest waters. As David wrote in Psalm 139, Where can I go from your spirit?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there.

If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.

Your right hand will hold me fast.

These words would resonate deeply with Akandas, who live on an island nation whose

tropical coasts, dense rainforests, and rugged mountains have been called the last unknown.

Yet as believers there and everywhere know, no place or problem is too remote for God. Even the darkness will not be

dark to you, says Psalm 139, verse 12, and the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as

light to you. On stormy waters, therefore, our God speaks, peace be still, and the waves and wind obey.

So don't fear life's deep or turbulent waters today. Our God safely leads us ashore.

Today's Our Daily Bread Devotional Scripture reading is from Psalm 139,

verses 7 through 12.

Where can I go from your spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths,

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