When trials cloud our thinking, God’s Word and His Spirit illuminate the path forward.

To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed. Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, your compassion and your loving kindnesses, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD. Psalms 25:1-7

In a blizzard, the familiar disappears because swirling snow obscures our vision. Difficulties in life bring about the same effect in our mind. They create strong emotions that cloud our ability to think. Let’s look at three promises God has given us to help us find our way through trials.

1. The Lord has committed Himself to instructing us. When we wait on Him, He will give us insight into our situation—since He sees all things, He knows what steps we are to take. We may be surprised at the instruction, though, since His ways are not like our human ones (Isaiah 55:8-9).

2. God has promised to teach us how to apply the truth we’ve received from Him. As we meditate on the Word of God, His Spirit will reveal the wisdom relevant to our problem.

3. The Lord provides guidance as He keeps watch over us. When company is present, a parent may use a series of looks to quietly guide a child’s behavior. In a similar way, the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual promptings to guide our actions and decisions.

What troubled waters are you trying to navigate? Know that you can find your way by using these promises as guiding lights through dark circumstances.