Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
March 7, 2025
1 Samuel 30:6-8
6 David was in deep trouble because the troops were talking about stoning him. Each of the soldiers was deeply distressed about their sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. 7 David said to the priest Abiathar, Ahimelech’s son, “Bring the priestly vest to me.” So Abiathar brought it to David. 8 Then David asked the LORD, “Should I go after this raiding party? Will I catch them?” “Yes, go after them!” God answered. “You will definitely catch them and will succeed in the rescue!”
Good Morning. Jesus is our rock and our redeemer!
But David found strength in the LORD his God.
When we feel unable to take our next step, God is by our side, encouraging us and leading us.
One night, I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it."
Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why,
when I needed You the most, You would leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."
When I am weary, I rely on my Lord for strength. My go-to scripture passage is from Nehemiah. The joy of the Lord is my strength!
The original Hebrew for "joy" in Nehemiah 8:10 is "chedvah," meaning joy or gladness. The Hebrew word for "strength" in the same verse means “a place or means of safety, protection, refuge, or stronghold.” Despite the failings of the Israelites, “The day God reaffirmed to them that they were still his chosen people, and he was still their God. That is a joy that could impart strength.”
When you seek God’s reassurance and encouragement, feel free to sing or shout as many times as necessary; the joy of the Lord is my strength!
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! You love us! We are yours. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Seek encouragement from God when challenges arise.
The joy of the Lord is my Strength! Pastor Liz
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