All of us need inspiration to get us through the challenges of this life and to know that God is the wellspring that refreshes our spirits, gives us courage, and guides our footsteps.

Each week the Globe publishes a “Prayer for Willie” taken from a collection by Dr. Hamilton T. Boswell, to remind each of us of the presence of God in our lives, no matter what faith, denomination or interpretation we choose for ourselves.

Gracious God whose spirit is ever so near, yet forever beyond us, hear us.

We come to You, the source of calming power.

Lift us that we may attain inner stability for the living of these days.

When dark clouds loom over the tasks we face, we sometimes are as restless as autumn leaves blowing in the wind.

We can feel as helpless as debris stirring in a raging flood, or as anxious as the homeless in the cold of winter.

Strengthen us with the power of great conviction.

Sustain us against whatever pressures beset our way.

In all we confront this day, help us to be strong and of good courage.

Amen

For information regarding Prayers For Willie, Pathways for Daily Living, please e-mail Eleanor Boswell-Raine at eleanor@theglobenewspapers.com or telephone her at 510-222-5656.

Wisdom in waiting

Waiting does not imply that God is ever late or somehow off schedule as we often are. God’s timing is perfect, holy and righteous.
    To wait on God means to pause and listen for further instructions. You see, the Lord has a perfect and wise plan for your life, and He is constantly working to guide and mold the details and specific situations of your life for your good and His glory. Rom. 8:28 states clearly, “And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”
    Often you cannot see God’s plan for your life all at one time. He knows the future; you don’t, so you have to trust His loving purposes, especially when life’s problems crowd in upon you so that you feel overwhelmed. God, in His infinite wisdom, wants to lead you step by step through the maze and confusion to keep you moving in the right direction. God provides plenty of guidance as shown in Ps. 32:8: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” One of the primary ways God guides is through His word, the Holy Scriptures. God wants you to dig in deeply and seek His wisdom and intimacy. He may just tell you while you are digging to wait a while, to sit tight until He is ready for you to know the details of His will. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord,” (Ps. 27:14).