Have you ever felt adrift? Like a boat without a rudder on a vast, starless sea. Life can be like that, can’t it? One moment we’re in calm waters, and the next, a storm surprises us. In those moments, we look for something to hold on to, a compass to show us the way.

The past year has been, by far, the most difficult of my life. There were times when I felt completely lost, a castaway in my own mind and heart. In the midst of the storm, I think I even forgot my identity in Christ. Who was I? What was my place in this world?

But by His immense mercy, God never left me alone. He always placed someone by my side—a friend, a leader, someone who reminded me of the truth about who I am in Him. They were like lighthouses in the darkness, guiding me back to shore.

A couple of weeks ago, during my quiet time with God, I found myself saying a prayer that came from the depths of my being. It was as if my tired and thirsty soul had finally found the words it needed. I prayed: “Lord, may Your Presence fill me, may Your Word define me, and may Your Holy Spirit guide me.”

The impression of God’s presence was so strong in that moment that I wrote it on a sticky note and put it on my wall. Without realizing it, I was describing the journey of spiritual healing that God has been taking me on. I was praying for that journey to continue for the rest of my days.

And today, I want to share this prayer with you, because maybe you, too, feel adrift in your own storm. Allow me to suggest a divine compass, one that doesn’t fail even in the deepest darkness. May His Presence fill you.

It’s not just a feeling, but a reality. Psalm 16:11 reminds us: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Fullness of joy! Not a fleeting joy, but a joy that comes from knowing the Creator of the universe is with you—in your living room, in your car, in your heart. His presence is the anchor that holds us when the waves of doubt and fear threaten to sink us.

But a compass needs a map, a navigation plan. For us, that map is God’s Word. So, the second point of our compass is: May His Word define you.

The world shouts at us who we should be. It tells us that our value is in our bank account, our appearance, what we achieve. But God defines us in a completely different way. He calls us beloved children, created in His image (Genesis 1:27). Psalm 119:105 says: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” It is the light that illuminates uncertain steps, revealing the truth about who we are in Him. His Word is the instruction manual for living a life with purpose, a life not defined by the opinions of others, but by the unwavering love of our Father.

And finally, who helps us read the map and follow the compass? The Holy Spirit. The third part of our prayer is: May His Holy Spirit always guide you.

Jesus himself promised the Holy Spirit to His followers, a Comforter, a Counselor (John 14:26). It is the whisper in the heart, the gentle conviction that pulls us away from danger and closer to God’s will. It’s not a booming voice, but a gentle, constant guide, a spiritual GPS that recalculates the way when we stray. He is the one who gives us the strength to love others, to forgive, to be patient.

Today I invite you to pray this prayer with me, so you can be encouraged on your own journey. You are not alone. The Creator of the universe is anchoring your soul, defining your worth, and guiding your every step.

Let’s say this prayer together:

Lord, may Your Presence fill me, may Your Word define me, and may Your Holy Spirit guide me; in Jesus’ name. Amen.