Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 20, 2024
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 they 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! Jesus is the light of the world.
Many children are afraid of the dark. Their vivid imaginations conjure up creatures lurking under the bed and in the closet. As children get older, they learn through life experiences a more logical approach to things, and their fears subside.
As adults, we realize that darkness is the lack of physical light, but there are other aspects of light vs. dark. In movies, directors use darkness to set the scene for evil or bad things that are about to happen. I have had experiences where I was in a well-lit room full of people, and yet I felt totally lost and alone. Finally, there are those times when we are “in the dark” about something happening around us.
John tells us that darkness is the absence of God. When we are with God, our path is visible, and we feel empowered to take the next step of faith. This empowerment gives us the confidence to navigate life's challenges. When we turn away from God, our steps are unsteady, as if we are trying to find our way on a dark path filled with roots and rocks.
God's promise to lead us through the valleys of trouble and darkness and to provide for our needs is a source of great reassurance. All we have to do is ask for forgiveness, and we will be saved, knowing that we are never alone.
Loving God, Thank you for creating us. Nudge us towards the light when we begin to slide into the shadows of darkness. Thank you for loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Even in the darkest times, we are never alone; God is with us.
Seek the light of Christ! Pastor Liz
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