Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 1, 2023
Habakkuk 3:16-19
16 I hear, and my insides tremble. My lips quiver at the sound. Rottenness enters my bones. I tremble while I stand, while I wait for the day of distress to come against the people who attack us. 17 Though the fig tree doesn’t bloom, and there’s no produce on the vine; though the olive crop withers and the fields don’t provide food; though the sheep are cut off from the pen, and there are no cattle in the stalls; 18 I will rejoice in the LORD. I will rejoice in the God of my deliverance. 19 The LORD God is my strength. He will set my feet like the deer. He will let me walk upon the heights.
Good Morning. Rejoice! Again, I say rejoice!
As I watch a new day dawn before me, I rejoice in the canvas of the beautiful sky with the everchanging palette. I am reminded of an earlier time when I would color or paint a picture in art class and only see a single color for the sky. At some point, we were taught to blend colors and add shading to our drawings. Sunrises represent a new day full of revelations not yet seen. I can only imagine what lies beyond the shadows.
Sometimes, we feel bombarded by all that life is throwing at us. We want to shout at God and say, “Enough!” Habakkuk is in one of those moments: his crops have failed, his livestock are not accessible, and his people are under attack. Despite all that seems against him, he praises God from whom he draws strength.
When our paths are rocky and steep, God is there to give us the footing to move forward. When darkness covers the land, God provides the light to find our way. Regardless of our circumstances, God’s blessings outweigh our challenges. Take a moment and praise God.
We find stories of hope and peace when we read the Bible. We also find stories of resilience from people who have had enough but remained focused on God working in their lives. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
“Fear not, for I am with you. O be not dismayed, For I am your God. I’ll strengthen you and help you, and I will uphold you in my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Loving God, We cry out to you, “How long, O Lord!” You comfort us and hold us. We love you! Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Scripture holds meaning for my life and hope for my future.
God is with us! Pastor Liz
Comments