Morning Devotional 052625 Accepting God's Grace

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  May 26, 2025

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! God listens to our cries for help!

Where do we turn in times of trouble or despair? In challenging times, my children have characterized my overachieving drive as my “Midwest” sensibility. By this, they mean that I will persist and work through whatever difficulties I face. I have this innate persistence that won’t allow me to give up. 

This can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, I epitomize the growth mindset ideal that challenges are growth opportunities and that setbacks are learning experiences. This belief is an essential component of my psyche. Paul uses similar language when he says that our current struggles are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us. 

The problem that can arise within this mindset is that I am challenged to admit the need for help even when it is obvious to everyone else. In my younger years, I would push and prod my way through the problem until I was in so deeply that it took a bulldozer to get me out. 

This is one of those areas that I am working on with God. By God’s grace, I am learning to be a better listener and accept my weaknesses as I humble myself and ask for help or advice earlier in the process of my struggles. 

Praise be to God for my strong work ethic, but let me continue to find balance as I trust God to lead me through my challenges. 

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! Blessings and Curses! Thank you for giving your grace, love, and mercy, so that we might accept the peace you offer us. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Life is ever-changing, but God’s love for us is constant.

Allow God’s grace to guide us! Pastor Liz