Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
July 22, 2021
Read Psalm 27:1-5
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The LORD is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything? 2 When evildoers come at me trying to eat me up it’s they, my foes and my enemies, who stumble and fall! 3 If an army camps against me, my heart won’t be afraid. If war comes up against me, I will continue to trust in this: 4 I have asked one thing from the LORD it’s all I seek: to live in the LORD’s house all the days of my life, seeing the LORD’s beauty and constantly adoring his temple. 5 Because he will shelter me in his own dwelling during troubling times; he will hide me in a secret place in his own tent; he will set me up high, safe on a rock.
Good Morning! Great time of day! Hallelujah!
I imagine that we all long for the safety and protection described in this morning’s passage. Whenever I read about the Lord being my light and salvation, my mind immediately jumps to John. John says to know God is to be in the light and to not know God is to be in darkness. He extends this idea further by saying light is goodness and dark is evil.
When I lived in Smithfield, I began a daily regime of walking/running each morning. For most of the year, my walking time was before the sun arose, and often it was still dark. The street on which we lived was extremely well lit and I would begin my walk in the light, but as I moved away from the house, I would begin to encounter the shadows and if I continued on that path I would have come to complete darkness. I remember how my thoughts and heart rate changed as I ventured towards the shadows. I felt less secure than I did a few steps earlier, but when I reached my limit of the outer glimpses of light, I would turn back towards the light and I would once again feel safe.
On some mornings, I had a friend who would walk with me, and we would go on a different route that was not in constant light. Interestingly, I never had those same apprehensive feelings when we were walking together on paths that I would never even consider venturing on when I was alone. We walked and talked in confidence as we continued along our path. I believe that Jesus being our light resembles this story. With Jesus by our side, we can go outside our comfort zone and into the shadows to share God’s love and mercy with others. Jesus is our light in the darkness that exists in our world, and with Jesus by our side, we can walk and talk confidently as we move along our faith journey. 12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Mark 8:12
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. So many of your children have yet to experience the light of your love. Help us to shine in Your name and light the way so that others may come to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Even when I feel overcome by shadows, I can find slivers of God’s light.
Walk in the light of Jesus! Pastor Liz
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