Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
March 23, 2025
Psalm 34:15-22
15 The LORD’s eyes watch the righteous; his ears listen to their cries for help. 16 But the LORD’s face is set against those who do evil, to eliminate even the memory of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry out, the LORD listens; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed. 19 The righteous have many problems, but the LORD delivers them from everyone. 20 He protects all their bones; not even one will be broken. 21 But just one problem will kill the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be held responsible. 22 The LORD saves his servants’ lives; all those who take refuge in him won’t be held responsible for anything.
Good Morning. May you feel God’s joy today!
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed. 19 The righteous have many problems, but the LORD delivers them from everyone.
As I read these words this morning, I focused on the image of a crushed can. Take a moment and consider an aluminum can. Before the can arrives on the shelf in the store, it is made and filled in a factory. It is usually in pristine condition and full of tasty liquid.
We purchase the drink, consume its contents, and now it sits empty. Some will toss it in the recycling bin; others will crush it in their hands or stomp it with their feet before throwing it away. Have you ever tried to uncrush a can? By that, I mean smoothing out the sides to restore it to its former self. Even if you can get it to stand, it is weak and full of wrinkles.
Along the byways of our faith journeys, we encounter many struggles. (The righteous have many problems) Our hearts are broken, and our spirits are crushed. Like the soda can, there are times we feel that we are stomped on and tossed aside. By God’s grace, those who cry out for mercy are restored. (the LORD delivers them from everyone.)
Unlike the can that is weakened and worn when it is crushed, God not only restores us but makes us stronger than we were.
17 When the righteous cry out, the LORD listens; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Praise be to God, who loves us and protects us.
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! Your power is beyond our understanding. You are gracious and merciful to those who call upon your holy name. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Look for ways to share God’s love and mercy with those in need.
Renewed, Restored, Redeemed! Pastor Liz
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