Morning Devotional 011026 Calm Intervention

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

January 10, 2026

Zephaniah 3:14-20

14 Rejoice, Daughter Zion! Shout, Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem. 15 The LORD has removed your judgment; he has turned away your enemy. The LORD, the king of Israel, is in your midst; you will no longer fear evil. 16 On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem: Don’t fear, Zion. Don’t let your hands fall. 17 The LORD your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing. 18 I will remove from you those worried about the appointed feasts. They have been a burden for her, a reproach. 19 Watch what I am about to do to all your oppressors at that time. I will deliver the lame; I will gather the outcast. I will change their shame into praise and fame throughout the earth. 20 At that time, I will bring all of you back, at the time when I gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the neighboring peoples when I restore your possessions and you can see them—says the LORD.

Good Morning! Fear not, the Lord is in our midst!

He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing.

When life seems to overwhelm me, finding a place of calm allows me to recenter myself. For me, I must remove all visual and auditory triggers or distractions. This allows me to breathe and find peace. 

Depending upon the situation, this place might be a physical “safe” space, or it might be an inner space where I retreat for a few moments to find myself. Either way, God is at the center of my space, enveloping me with love. 

Sometimes, I’m blessed to have time to renew, but other times, it is a brief moment. By God’s grace, whenever I’m in need, God is with me, calming me with love and raising my spirits in song. 

Wherever we are, God is always available to tend to our souls. All we have to do is offer space for God to enter. Praise be to God. 

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! Our lives are so busy and full of stimuli. Nudge us when we forget to ask for a time of calm intervention. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Wherever we go, God goes with us!

Allow the peace of Christ to fill your spirit! Pastor Liz