Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 29, 2023
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
3 May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! He is the compassionate Father and God of all comfort. 4 He’s the one who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble. We offer the same comfort that we ourselves received from God. 5 That is because we receive so much comfort through Christ in the same way that we share so many of Christ’s sufferings. 6 So if we have trouble, it is to bring you comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is to bring us comfort from the experience of endurance while we go through the same sufferings that we also suffer. 7 Our hope for you is certain because we know that as you are partners in suffering, so also you are partners in comfort.
Good Morning. John said, “Love one another, my little children.”
We develop special bonds with those with whom we work through challenges. In the process of struggling, we become vulnerable and rely upon those with us. This is true regardless of the situation. When a sports team works together to compete against other teams, they develop that bond. When a group of scouts is camping together, they develop that bond.
This is especially true during traumatic events. Whether the event is weather-related, disaster-related, or health-related, we are drawn to those who are in the moment with us. Throughout history, we read accounts of God’s children overcoming adversaries to live another day. The bonds that are formed during these times are never loosened. Even when war veterans meet up after years of being a part, it is as if they have always been together as they tell stories, laugh, and cry. Much is communicated by the simple nod of the head or wink of an eye. As we comfort one another, we, too, are comforted.
God is with us and seeks this relationship with us, his children. God is there to comfort us when we are in despair and to celebrate with us when we are joyful. Only within the bond of a relationship may we gain the strength, power, and love that comes through Christ. God knows us intimately and loves us for who we are, with no regard for our earthly trappings. The tie that binds us together is forever.
Blest Be the Tie that Binds
Our hearts in Christian love
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
Loving God, Like an expectant parent, You are waiting, but sometimes, like wayward children, we forget to share with you. Thank you for being there whenever we call out. We love you! Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: As God comforts me, I can comfort others.
Don’t forget to check in! Pastor Liz
Comments