Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
March 2, 2022
Read Matthew 11:25-30
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you’ve hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have shown them to babies. 26 Indeed, Father, this brings you happiness. 27 “My Father has handed all things over to me. No one knows the Son except the Father. And nobody knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wants to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. 29 Put on my yoke and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. 30 My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”
Good Morning! Praise God who sent Jesus to walk with us!
Last year, I had to create a river depicting my life for one of my candidacy courses. We were to include the good highlights and the challenges along the way. We were also asked to reflect upon our faith along the way and to list the names of those who touched our faith journey. The first thing that I discovered was that I needed a bigger piece of paper if I included all of the meanderings of my river.
As I completed my river, I found places where the water was clear and flowing, but I also noted the sections where the water became muddy and filled with rocks. There were also a couple of boulders blocking the river. With each life event, the river had some twists and turns to reflect our moves, the growth of our family, and the new streams that branched off as our children were married and began their own families.
The most valuable lesson that I gleaned from this activity was reflecting upon my relationship with God along the way and who was helping me to find my way. Admittedly, there were times when God was very close, and other times when God seemed distant. As a young military family, the frequent moves and crazy work schedules challenged our ability to attend church regularly. We still prayed, but we didn’t always have that faith community supporting us.
I continue to reflect upon my river of life, my faith journey because I find comfort in remembering the names of God’s saints and angels that showed me by their example how to walk like Christ. When the water of my river was churning, crashing over rocks, and even caught in a whirlpool from which there seemed to be no escape, an unexpected source of God’s love appeared in my life to take my hand and lead me on my next steps. Jesus promises to be with us always, every moment of every day. All we have to do is reach out and ask for help.
When the storms of life are raging, grab the outstretched hand of Jesus.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. Sometimes we forget that Jesus is by our side waiting to help. We can be so stubborn and believe that we can do this ourselves. We resist turning over our struggles, but we’re working to be better. Help us! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When my path is confusing, I can trust that Jesus journeys with me.
Give your burdens to Jesus! Pastor Liz
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