Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 12, 2024
Psalm 103:13-22
13 Like a parent feels compassion for their children that’s how the LORD feels compassion for those who honor him. 14 Because God knows how we’re made, God remembers we’re just dust. 15 The days of a human life are like grass: they bloom like a wildflower; 16 but when the wind blows through it, it’s gone; even the ground where it stood doesn’t remember it. 17 But the LORD’s faithful love is from forever ago to forever from now for those who honor him. And God’s righteousness reaches to the grandchildren 18 of those who keep his covenant and remember to keep his commands. 19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 You divine messengers, bless the LORD! You who are mighty in power and keep his word, who obey everything he says, bless him! 21 All you heavenly forces, bless the LORD! All you who serve him and do his will, bless him! 22 All God’s creatures, bless the LORD! Everywhere, throughout his kingdom, let my whole being bless the LORD!
Good Morning! This is the day the Lord has made!
God is merciful to all who praise his holy name! In this passage, David shows the differences between our earthly existence and our heavenly one. Our earthly time is finite: we are born, we live, and we die. In contrast, our heavenly time is forevermore.
By God's grace, we are heirs to God’s kingdom. We, God’s children, are needy, and God, our parent, provides us with everything we need. During our earthly walk, we practice this familial relationship. We spend time as children during which we are dependant upon our parents. We spend time as parents to learn what it means to give of ourselves completely on the behalf of our children.
Our challenge comes when we lose sight of our heavenly parent and think that we can do everything for ourselves. Just like the toddler who decides to climb up to reach the cookie jar, we elevate ourselves to positions of power. About the time we reach the top, we feel our legs begin to wobble and we call to God for help. Those who refuse to give over control find their achievements crumbling beneath them.
Let us finish where this Psalm begins with 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Affirming God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. You bless us and guide us. You pick us up when we fall down. You catch us when we climb too high. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Bless the Lord and accept his infinite mercy.
God is Good! All the Time! Pastor Liz
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