Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
July 24, 2021
Read Mark 1:35-38
35 Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. 36 Simon and those with him tracked him down. 37 When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!” 38 He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.”
Good Morning! Listen for God!
Noise, Noise, Noise! It is hard to find times of quiet in today’s world, times when you can totally focus on spending time with God. Most of us have become so accustomed to the noises of manmade devices that we are uncomfortable in the stillness so we use noise machines to provide us with background noise. As much as I enjoy music and spending time with others, sometimes in very noisy environments like amusement parks, I do love to spend time in quiet. Before sunrise, my early morning time is precious because this is my time to speak and listen to God. The actual time of day is not what’s important, but that you find your own time that works for you.
Jesus showed us that no matter what else was happening He always took time to pray. His time in prayer with His Father nourished and revitalized Him so that He was ready for a new day. It is easy to think that you are too busy right now, I’ll spend time with God tomorrow when things are calmer and less crazy. For me, those days that are jam-packed with things to do are the most important to take that time to center myself in a calming time with God. I function so much better when I have communed with God and turned over my anxiety to Him. Through these special times of solitude, I enter my new day with joy in my heart as a confident child of God. Be still and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. You are my rock in busy times. May we work to find ways to come to you for strength and nourishment. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Solitude can reenergize my faith.
Listen! God is talking to you! Pastor Liz
Amen!