Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 8, 2022
Read Psalm 23:1-6
1 The LORD is my shepherd. I lack nothing. 2 He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; 3 he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff protect me. 5 You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over! 6 Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the LORD’s house as long as I live.
Good morning! God’s goodness and faithful love will pursue us all the days of our lives.
My days working with students as a teacher for Charlottesville City Schools are winding down so quickly. When I arrived in Charlottesville eight years ago, retirement was not even on my radar yet. It was a date so far away that I didn’t even think about it, but now here it is. In some ways it seems as if I’m living in a dream this week.
Teaching has been and will continue to be part of who I am, but God is leading me to a new path for the sake of his good name. Psalm 23 is a source of comfort to us when we are in need or in doubt, but today it is a source of joy for me as I embrace this divergence on my path as I continue my journey with Christ.
We can all take comfort that God is always with us no matter where or when we are along our journey. Whether we cry tears of sadness or tears of joy, God is closer than the very breath we breathe. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:16
Change is hard, but it is a necessary process through which we grow. When we open ourselves fully to the will of God, God will abundantly bless us on our journey. I will close with two verses with a similar message. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. May we find joy in the directions that you lead us. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God meets me wherever I am: in my sadness and in my joy
Our God is an Awesome God! Pastor Liz
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