Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
October 8, 2021
Read Psalm 42:1-11
1 Just like a deer that craves streams of water, my whole being craves you, God. 2 My whole being thirsts for God, for the living God. When will I come and see God’s face? 3 My tears have been my food both day and night, as people constantly questioned me, “Where’s your God now?” 4 But I remember these things as I bare my soul: how I made my way to the mighty one’s abode, to God’s own house, with joyous shouts and thanksgiving songs a huge crowd celebrating the festival! 5 Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God. 6 My whole being is depressed. That’s why I remember you from the land of Jordan and Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep called to deep at the noise of your waterfalls; all your massive waves surged over me. 8 By day the LORD commands his faithful love; by night his song is with me a prayer to the God of my life. 9 I will say to God, my solid rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I have to walk around, sad, oppressed by enemies?” 10 With my bones crushed, my foes make fun of me, constantly questioning me: “Where’s your God now?” 11 Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.
Good Morning! Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks for all things.
Yesterday, we talked about fountains and how they represented the different times in our lives with God being the constant as the foundation of our lives. It is easy to feel lost when we are in those turbulent times of uncertainty, but we must pray continually to our Lord and Savior. Sometimes we feel abandoned by God when everything we hold dearly comes crashing down around us.
God does not create the turmoil around us. Turmoil grows from evil. Evil is always present trying to gather followers who are tempted by the bright lights, shiny objects, and bells and whistles. Whether we make the choice to follow evil or our lives are turned upside down because we suffer losses because of someone else’s choices, God is always with us to give us comfort and strength. Jesus is our beacon of hope lighting the way so that we may find God and leave the darkness behind.
No matter how lost we find ourselves, we must cling to our foundation of love and mercy, God. One of the reasons that it is so important to establish a daily time with God is to set the habits that will sustain us through our times of trouble. A few years ago when we first learned of Lowell’s cancer diagnosis, I was searching for comfort in the scriptures. This verse in 1 Thessalonians spoke to me and it has become my mantra when I start to feel overwhelmed. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I pray that each of you has that special scripture that pulls you closer to God and helps you hold tightly to your foundation.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us.Thank you for being with us always: in the good times and in the bad times. Please help us to never lose sight of You despite the many troubles we may face. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Even if all that feels safe and normal gets taken away, God will never leave me.
Rejoice! Again I say rejoice! Pastor Liz
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