Morning Devotional 021326 Don't Let Pride and Stubborness Hold Your Heart

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

February 13, 2026

Isaiah 38:14-20

Lord, I’m overwhelmed; support me!” 15 What can I say? God has spoken to me; he himself has acted. I will wander my whole life with a bitter spirit. 16 The LORD Most High is the one who gives life to every heart, who gives life to the spirit! 17 Look, he indeed exchanged my bitterness for wholeness. You yourself have spared my whole being from the pit of destruction, because you have cast all my sins behind your back. 18 The underworld can’t thank you, nor can death praise you; those who go down to the pit can’t hope for your faithfulness. 19 The living, the living can thank you, as I do today. Parents will tell children about your faithfulness. 20 The LORD has truly saved me, and we will make music at the LORD’s house all the days of our lives.

Good Morning! The Lord gives life to every heart!

In our greatest moments of despair, God is available when we ask for help. If we know or believe that, why do we not ask before we become so overwhelmed? 

I have several thoughts about that.

1. We are stubborn, and we don’t want to admit that we need help.

2. We are prideful, and we see asking for help as a sign of weakness.

3. We need to struggle so we can learn and grow; if we reach out too soon, God will allow us to struggle productively.

Think about getting lost or being unsure of the directions to a place (before GPS) and choosing to drive around aimlessly instead of asking for directions. Somewhere within our stubbornness and pride, we believed we could use the force [Luke] like a Jedi and magically find our way.

Now, think about how you feel when your despair is gone! You feel relief, joy, and even tears as your body releases the tension that held you tightly. 

The amazing thing is that when we are filled with tension and worry, there is no room for hope, but as soon as the worry is gone, joy and relief flood the void that remains.

What is overwhelming you today? Give it to God and receive the healing and blessing that God offers each of us. 

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! Help us let go of the pride and stubbornness that keep us feeling overwhelmed. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: During times of affliction and suffering, God never leaves us.

Let go of one worry, and delight in the presence of God! Pastor Liz