Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 3, 2022
Read Psalm 86:1-6
1 LORD, listen closely to me and answer me because I am poor and in need. 2 Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you—you! My God! 3 Have mercy on me, Lord because I cry out to you all day long. 4 Make your servant’s life happy again because, my Lord, I offer my life to you, 5 because, my Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of faithful love for all those who cry out to you. 6 Listen closely to my prayer, LORD; pay close attention to the sound of my requests for mercy. 7 Whenever I am in trouble, I cry out to you, because you will answer me.
Good morning! God listens to our prayers!
The tone of this passage is one of quiet desperation. In many of the Psalms, we feel David’s confidence as he speaks to God in praise or even when he rebukes God. But I get a totally different feeling with this one, I immediately empathize with David because he seems vulnerable. David was a great leader, chosen by God, and yet he also has those moments when he needs someone to listen.
Most of us don’t like to let our vulnerable side show. This is especially tough for leaders because they don’t want others to know of their weaknesses. Without Christ, we are weak, but through the grace of God, we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit working within us. Some readily admit their weaknesses, while others think that they can hide them. God knows our every thought and sees past the great facades we try to create.
Admitting our weaknesses allows us to embrace the power that God places within us. But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 TPB
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Help us to share ourselves with You. Thank you for always listening. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God truly listens to me in my times of need.
God is listening! Pastor Liz
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