Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
November 17, 2021
Read 1 Kings 19:1-9
9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. The LORD’s word came to him and said, “Why are you here, Elijah?” 10 Elijah replied, “I’ve been very passionate for the LORD God of heavenly forces because the Israelites have abandoned your covenant. They have torn down your altars, and they have murdered your prophets with the sword. I’m the only one left, and now they want to take my life too!” 11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand at the mountain before the LORD. The LORD is passing by.” A very strong wind tore through the mountains and broke apart the stones before the LORD. But the LORD wasn’t in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the LORD wasn’t in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake, there was a fire. But the LORD wasn’t in the fire. After the fire, there was a sound. Thin. Quiet.
Good Morning! Be still and know that I am God.
Many years ago, I discovered a need to unplug from the manmade sounds of the world around me. I’m not sure how or why this need developed, but I am blessed by spending special time each day devoid of beeps, buzzers, TVs . . . . In my younger years, I worked in a setting where my hours of work were constantly changing and I was dependent upon an alarm clock to awaken me. With the ringing of the clock, I began my day full of noises. I don’t remember finding much time to listen to God in those years. I went to church when my schedule allowed, but it was more out of obligation than a true desire to be with God.
Some of you know that I don’t use an alarm clock to startle me into a new day. I start each new day with calmness. I know that this isn’t a viable solution for everyone, but it is very helpful to me. When I get up, I first go outside and breathe in the air around me and listen to the sounds of nature and praise God for another glorious day. Then comes time for reading scripture and praying. Finally I type my morning devotional to share with you. All of this is without TV or radio and only minimal lighting. I guess it is my time in the cave like Elijah. I’m not hiding from the world, but I am choosing to open myself and all my senses to the presence of God. Instead of spending time with God out of obligation, I can’t wait for my special time to commune together.
It can be a challenge to find quietness in our lives. It could be anywhere that you can escape the man-made noises: working in your garden, sitting on your porch, going for a walk. I promise that when you find a time and space to open yourself fully to God, you will be blessed. In the midst of all of the confusion and noise of our lives God is with us, step away and take time to listen.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. We bless you for all that we have. Help us find the time in our busy lives to spend special time with you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: In the quiet I can hear God’s voice.
Listen! God is talking! Pastor Liz
Comments