DIRECTIONS FOR LIFE

JULY 21

Psalm 143

Psalm 143:8, “Make me know the way I should go.”

Psalm 143 speaks to David’s deep desperation and dependence on God as he faces overwhelming distress. Surrounded by enemies and crushed in spirit, he doesn’t appeal to his own righteousness, but pleads for God’s mercy and, above all, for divine direction. Again and again, David cries out for God to lead him: “Make me know the way I should go” (Psalm 143:8), “Teach me to do your will” (Psalm 143:10), and “Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm 143:10). These repeated requests reveal more than a desire for deliverance—they reflect a heart that longs to be guided, a trust that only God can lead him safely along.

That reminds me of a day my dad and I drifted down the South Santiam River in my drift boat. Early on, we lost a nice steelhead—a disappointing start—but we pressed on into unfamiliar waters. I had read about the various water diversions in that stretch of river, where canals branch off for city and agricultural use. Some of the channels looked promising, but a wrong turn could have sent us into a dead end or a farmer’s field instead of toward the boat takeout downstream. It wasn’t always clear which way to go. Thankfully, we made the right choices and stayed on course.

Life is filled with similar moments—forks in the river, choices that can alter our direction in big or small ways. And though we’re often tempted to rely on our own instincts or understanding, difficulty has a way of humbling us and reminding us how deeply we need to be led. David understood that. He trusted God not only to rescue him but to guide him. He leaned on the Spirit to show him the way forward. Paul echoes this same truth when he writes, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us… according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26–27).

Success in life’s journey isn’t found in simply pushing forward—it’s found in knowing and doing the will of God. To do that, we need the Spirit to guide us. Like David, we pray with open hearts, “Lord, make me to know the way I should go.” Because only God truly knows what lies ahead and the way we should go.

“He does not lead me year by year, nor even day by day, but step by step. My steps are ordered.” — Dwight L. Moody

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: In what areas of your life are you currently trying to navigate without seeking God’s direction? What would it look like to pause and genuinely ask, as David did, “Lord, make me to know the way I should go?”

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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