Morning Devotional 061326 Boldly Share God

Morning Devotional 061326

Passage selected from today’s Upper Room Verses

Psalm 46:1-11

¹ God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble. ² That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea, ³ when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Selah ⁴ There is a river whose streams gladden God’s city, the holiest dwelling of the Most High. ⁵ God is in that city. It will never crumble. God will help it when morning dawns. ⁶ Nations roar; kingdoms crumble. God utters his voice; the earth melts. ⁷ The LORD of heavenly forces is with us! The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah ⁸ Come, see the LORD’s deeds, what devastation he has imposed on the earth ⁹ bringing wars to an end in every corner of the world, breaking the bow and shattering the spear, burning chariots with fire. ¹⁰ “That’s enough! Now know that I am God! I am exalted among all nations; I am exalted throughout the world!” ¹¹ The LORD of heavenly forces is with us! The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah 

Good Morning, God is our safe place!

Where do we find refuge? If we focus on what is wrong with the world, we will certainly collapse in dismay. Our God is a God of hope and our place of safety. When we find ourselves floundering in the darkness, we must lean into the love and peace that God offers us. 

Yes, evil has a stronghold on much of our world. Each day’s headlines shout of war, hatred, pride, greed, and jealousy. The purveyors of evil are masters at attracting the masses to come and commiserate together. 

Each morning, God says, “Stop, That is enough! Know that I am God!” God’s love is the only force more powerful than evil. To activate God’s love and power that lies within us is risky. We might face opposition from those who luxuriate in the spoils of evil. We might be mocked for believing in the foolishness of the Gospel.

I challenge myself and all who are listening to throw off the shrouds of fear and proclaim the love of God through our thoughts, words, and actions. Not just today, but every day. Some days will be hard and we will feel defeated, but God will not go away or abandon us in our journey to gather in all who are lost, lonely, and neglected. 

Praise the Lord with the loud clanging of cymbals and banging of drums so that all may hear the Good News.

God of Wind and Flame, you bless us abundantly! So many have boldly proclaimed your Holy Name. Help us to find the courage to become your instruments of love and peace. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: God is our safe place from which we can proclaim the Good News. 

Cast away fear and complacency! Praise God for all to see and hear! Pastor Liz