Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 11, 2024
Psalm 55:1-8
1 God, listen to my prayer; don’t avoid my request! 2 Pay attention! Answer me! I can’t sit still while complaining. I’m beside myself 3 over the enemy’s noise, at the wicked person’s racket, because they bring disaster on me and harass me furiously. 4 My heart pounds in my chest because death’s terrors have reached me. 5 Fear and trembling have come upon me; I’m shaking all over. 6 I say to myself, I wish I had wings like a dove! I’d fly away and rest. 7 I’d run so far away! I’d live in the desert. Selah 8 I’d hurry to my hideout, far from the rushing wind and storm.
Good Morning! Stand on the promises of God!
As I read the Psalm, I feel David’s anxiety and stress. I have found myself in such a state. When I consider those times in my life, I remember feeling the need to pace and my mind racing to all of the worst-case scenarios.
Admittedly, these moments of panic have lessened as I have matured in my faith. My daily devotional time has helped me develop a routine and the discipline to recognize my stressors. When I start to worry, I turn to God instead of letting my mind run rampant with fear.
My go-to verse in times of worry is Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I confess that sometimes I must have the same conversation and turn over the same worries multiple times, but I feel stronger each time I let go of them. The Good News is that God is listening and encouraging me through these challenges. I feel no rebuke when I share the same concern because after giving it away, I take it back again. We are all still works in progress as the Holy Spirit chips away at our walls of self-reliance and pride.
God of Compassion, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We are expert worriers. We even worry about worrying. Help us find our way to you when we feel out of control. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Hand over your burdens and find peace!
Let go of those things over which you have no control! Pastor Liz
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