Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 24, 2022
Read Psalm 61:1-8
1 God, listen to my cry; pay attention to my prayer! 2 When my heart is weak, I cry out to you from the very ends of the earth. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I am 3 because you have been my refuge, a tower of strength in the face of the enemy. 4 Please let me live in your tent forever! Please let me take refuge in the shelter of your wings! Selah 5 Because you, God, have heard my promises; you’ve given me the same possession as those who honor your name. 6 Add days to the king’s life! Let his years extend for many generations! 7 Let him be enthroned forever before God! Make it so love and faithfulness watch over him! 8 Then I will sing praises to your name forever, and I will do what I promised every single day.
Good Morning, Give thanks with a grateful heart to the Holy One.
Over the years, I have read and studied the idea that there is power in thinking and focusing on the positive. I consider myself a “glass half full” person. Because there is so much wrong in our world, it is easy to be pulled into focusing on what is bad.
There have been a few times in my life when I found myself drifting into that mindset. Sometimes the shift is so subtle that you don’t realize what is happening. Once you head down that path, suddenly the negative things begin to snowball, and before you know it you are standing on sinking ground.
I remember a particularly challenging time when I unknowingly had slipped into the shadows a bit a friend asked me, “What happened to the happy Liz?” That question awakened me and pulled me back into the light. I decided that I needed to make lemonade from all the extra lemons that I was holding.
How do we combat the negative influences in the world around us? Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. Philippians 4:8
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. O Lord, sometimes we don’t even realize when we are struggling, but You come to us and help us refind our way. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: A grateful attitude helps me remember God’s blessings.
Smile! God Loves You! Pastor Liz
Amen!
One of my favorite! This has been my mantra for the last few years. When someone asks why I don’t watch the news, I quote this verse.