Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 13, 2024
Lamentations 3:19-27
19 The memory of my suffering and homelessness is bitterness and poison. 20 I can’t help but remember and am depressed. 21 I call all this to mind—therefore, I will wait. 22 Certainly the faithful love of the LORD hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through! 23 They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness. 24 I think: The LORD is my portion! Therefore, I’ll wait for him. 25 The LORD is good to those who hope in him, to the person who seeks him. 26 It’s good to wait in silence for the LORD’s deliverance. 27 It’s good for a man to carry a yoke in his youth.
Good Morning! This is a day of new beginnings!
Memories are part of our being. They represent the things that have happened in our past. Each of us has memories ranging from wonderful to horrific. Memories can bring us comfort and strength, but we cannot allow ourselves to dwell in the past and become stuck in a former time.
Bill Murray starred in the movie Groundhog Day. He was stuck in one day, which he relived over and over. Quickly, he lost his sense of reality and began to do crazy things as each day’s events repeated. Perhaps his actions were an attempt to find the right way to live each moment, but when he lost hope he just wanted to end the day (his life).
Without hope, we give up and wait for the end to come. We might even try to rush that ending by putting ourselves in dangerous situations. God promises to be with us, no matter what challenges we face.
Each morning, we are given a new opportunity to live life and move closer to God. The hope of this future propels us through the present obstacles, pain, and suffering that trouble us so we don’t get stuck.
There are many passages to remind us of God’s plan for our eternal salvation. One of my favorites is Isaiah 40:31: . . . but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk, and be faint.
Rise for a new day presents itself with unending possibilities. Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy returns in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Fill our hearts with your peace, love, and joy so we may radiate your presence to everyone we encounter today. May this day be a testament to your faithfulness and a step toward your purpose for our lives. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the day: Live each new day to the fullest!
Arise and Shout for joy! Pastor Liz
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