Morning Devotional 041825 No Matter What

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  April 18, 2025

Psalm 119:105-112

105 Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey. 106 I have sworn, and I fully mean it: I will keep your righteous rules. 107 I have been suffering so much LORD, make me live again according to your promise. 108 Please, LORD, accept my spontaneous gifts of praise. Teach me your rules! 109 Though my life is constantly in danger, I won’t forget your Instruction. 110 Though the wicked have set a trap for me, I won’t stray from your precepts. 111 Your laws are my possession forever because they are my heart’s joy. 112 I have decided to keep your statutes forever, every last one.

Good Morning. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

No matter what! We often consider this phrase in regard to God welcoming us home, no matter what we have done and continue to do. When we decide to ask for forgiveness and proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior, God unconditionally welcomes us with open arms.

On this Good Friday, I want to consider the words, no matter what, from a different perspective. Think of how the disciples were feeling as they watched Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. They had dropped everything, left behind their former lives, and followed and believed in Jesus for three years. And now, he was gone!

What was the point of their journey? Jesus had revealed himself as the Messiah, but the Pharisees and Pontius Pilate put an end to his reign before it started. Just five days ago, the people were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” 

The disciples couldn’t help but be caught up in the frenzy. They saw themselves as being in the inner circle of the “king.” Not only was Jesus dead, but they were fearful that they might be arrested and killed as well. 

No matter what! Jesus came to change the world, not as we imagine, but in God’s way. Despite the appearance that everything went wrong, and now Jesus is gone, God’s power will prevail. We are blessed to know what happens next, but for those disciples, the events of that day were devastating and demoralizing. 

During our earthly time, we, too, encounter insurmountable challenges. In our despair, we think that God and everything we have believed were for nothing. In our darkest moments, God sends signs to remind us that Jesus is with us no matter what. Even when it appears that we are alone and everything has gone wrong, God’s power will prevail in our lives. 

Joy will return, the sun will shine, as God reveals himself in full glory. My Lord, what a morning when the stars began to fall!

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! We become overwhelmed when things seem hopeless. Through You, all things are possible. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: No matter what, God is in control!

God’s Power will prevail! Pastor Liz