Morning Devotional 102123 Joy Returns Every Morning

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

October 21, 2023

Psalm 30:1-5

1 I exalt you, LORD, because you pulled me up; you didn’t let my enemies celebrate over me. 2 LORD, my God, I cried out to you for help, and you healed me. 3 LORD, you brought me up from the grave, brought me back to life from among those going down to the pit. 4 You who are faithful to the LORD, sing praises to him; give thanks to his holy name! 5 His anger lasts for only a second, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay all night, but by morning, joy!

Good Morning. Joy Returns in the Morning!

Sometimes I complain that I wish I weren’t a morning person, but one of my joys is seeing the sunrise each morning. I love going out just before dawn begins to lighten the sky. The darkness is just beginning to fade away, and the possibilities of a new day start to change the sky. Each new dawn is so different. Sometimes, it is quiet, still, and methodical as the light comes forth. I love the mornings when the colors of God’s palate seem to be fighting for control as the sky changes dramatically from one moment to the next. This morning, the clouds are lingering for a bit and produce their own shapes and colors, but the sun is just starting to push into view.

I trust in God that no matter how dark and restless my nights may sometimes be, each new day is a fresh start filled with new opportunities. Just like that first Easter morning, when it seemed as if all hope had been snuffed out as Christ died on that cross, joy returned when Jesus overcame death and was raised to live again. We are a resurrection people and our hope and faith are reignited with each sunrise. Praise be to God!

Awesome God, We love you! We are incapable of counting our infinite blessings. Thank you for each new day to become the one you made us to be. Thank you. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Joy returns each and every morning!

Set aside your fears and embrace God’s joy! Pastor Liz