In 1988, I was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. I was in an armored cavalry regiment. My life revolved around tanks.
My parents had come to visit, and I asked them to sit on the couch so I could tell them of a life-changing decision.
When I told my parents I was going to resign my commission and go to seminary to become a pastor, my father said he would do everything he could to help and support me. My mother, being married to a pastor and understanding the cost, said, “Oh son, please don’t become a pastor.” Luckily, it didn’t take long for her to change her mind.
A few days after this conversation, when my parents had returned to Texas, I got a package from them. It contained two items.
The first was a small silver cross from James Avery that my squadron commander allowed me to wear on my dog tag chain.
The second item was a devotional guide that has become a true treasure.
In the mornings, I get up very early to start work in my home office. This is because my mind seems to function best in the early dark hours of the day, I feel closer to God, and I cannot get anything done at my office in Dennis Hall.
Before I write the devotionals you read, or do anything else, I begin the day with a newer edition (2003) of the devotional my parents sent me decades ago. It is called A Guide To Prayer For All Who seek God from Upper Room Books.
Today’s prayer from Thomas Merton made such an impression on me, I decided to share it with you. I pray this is as meaningful to you as it is to me.
“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I many seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”
-From Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton
If you pray this prayer, I promise God will hear you and guide your life.
This is why John said, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
This small devotional has become such an integral part of my life, our church gives a copy to everyone who goes through the Methodism class I teach on Sunday mornings. But if you haven’t attended the class and want a copy, stop by my office. It would be a privilege to share one with you.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 