Morning Devotional 042026 Living Life Fully

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

April 20, 2026

Psalm 34:15-22

¹⁵ The LORD’s eyes watch the righteous, his ears listen to their cries for help. ¹⁶ But the LORD’s face is set against those who do evil, to eliminate even the memory of them from the earth. ¹⁷ When the righteous cry out, the LORD listens; he delivers them from all their troubles. ¹⁸ The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed. ¹⁹ The righteous have many problems, but the LORD delivers them from every one. ²⁰ He protects all their bones; not even one will be broken. ²¹ But just one problem will kill the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be held responsible. ²² The LORD saves his servants’ lives; all those who take refuge in him won’t be held responsible for anything.  

Good Morning! The Lord is close to the brokenhearted!

What is life? Life is exhausting. Life is exhilarating! Life is painful. Life is gratifying. Another paradox that sometimes haunts us. God gave us life so that we might live it fully. John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." 

Last week, I was reminded of this quote by George Bernard Shaw. “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”

We are called to serve one another in community. To do all we can for as long as we can. The Bible encourages living life fully by pursuing purpose, joy, and spiritual abundance rather than fear or material wealth. Through Christ, we find joy in God’s presence, act with purpose, and embrace the abundant life offered through faith. 

Throughout our lives, God is near to us, listening, supporting, and guiding us along our way. 

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! Without your love and grace, we cannot survive. We are grateful for the gift of life so that we may live in you. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: God offers love, strength, mercy, and compassion to all who ask.

Love God! Love one another! Live life!  Pastor Liz