Morning Devotional 081922 The Sunshine Follows the Rain

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

August 19, 2022

Read Psalm 34:1-8

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise will always be in my mouth. 2 I praise the LORD, let the suffering listen and rejoice. 3 Magnify the LORD with me! Together let us lift his name up high! 4 I sought the LORD and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to God will shine; their faces are never ashamed. 6 This suffering person cried out: the LORD listened and saved him from every trouble. 7 On every side, the LORD’s messenger protects those who honor God; and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see how good the LORD is! The one who takes refuge in him is truly happy!

Good morning! Joy returns in the morning with hope for a brand new day!

David reminds us this morning that the Lord is with all who look to God. We should bless the Lord at all times. When we are happy, the Lord is happy with us. When we are suffering, the Lord listens and saves us. Our Lord created us in his own image and blessed us with free will to live our lives fully as we joyfully serve others.

Within free will comes the ability to make decisions. Sometimes we make good decisions and sometimes we make poor decisions. Then there are the times that we make good decisions but someone with whom we come in contact makes poor decisions that affect us or our loved ones.

Despite our best intentions, we are human and therefore we are flawed. The Good News is for those who call on God that whatever challenges we face, God is with us. God will give us a hand to get up and even carry us when we can no longer take our next step. God does not wish, nor cause, our pain. God shares in our grief and holds us tight as we work to regain our footing. Through Christ who strengthens us, we rejoice as the darkness fades away and the sunshine returns.

The children of God will not be taken down by their pain or sorrow. We are blessed with the hope of eternal life that assures us that when our time comes we will join and rejoice together at Christ’s heavenly banquet with no more sorrow and no more pain. We must remain steadfast in our journey and follow the light which leads us.

Loving and Caring God, Thank You for loving us. You blessed us and saved us by sending your Son to carry our sins away. Thank you for all our days: those with dark clouds and those with sunny skies. Forgive us when we doubt your plan. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God’s love will see us through our greatest trial.

Look to the light! Pastor Liz