Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 4, 2022
Read Psalm 18:1-6
1 He said: I love you, LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock I take refuge in him! he’s my shield, my salvation’s strength, my place of safety. 3 Because he is praiseworthy, I cried out to the LORD, and I was saved from my enemies. 4 Death’s cords were wrapped around me; rivers of wickedness terrified me. 5 The cords of the grave surrounded me; death’s traps held me tight. 6 In my distress I cried out to the LORD; I called to my God for help. God heard my voice from his temple; I called to him for help, and my call reached his ears.
Good Morning, God is with us!
Many young children are scared of the dark. To combat this, parents create a nightly ritual to help comfort their children as they prepare to go to sleep. These routines include getting them a drink of water, swaddling them in their blankets, and sharing a favorite book together. There are even cute bedtime stories with characters who are afraid of the dark that help the child see that they are safe. Inevitably, if the child wakes up during the night and they realize that they are alone, they cry out in fear.
As adults, we too long for feeling safe. We might laugh about the fears that grip us in the night, but so many adults struggle with restful sleep. Our drugstore aisles are filled with products to help induce sleep. When we consider why we are restless in the middle of the night, we try to figure out what is keeping us from sleeping. Adults are less willing to admit their fears because this makes them feel childish.
Try to remember a time when you felt truly safe! For me, I think of being held. When we are held, all the love and support move from one to the other. As the one who is scared begins to feel safe, then the movement is mutual. I think of when we had to stop hugging each other during the pandemic. So many friends and colleagues said that when the pandemic ended that was what they would do first. Hug each other!
The Good News is that God is ready to surround us in love whenever we ask. Whether we awaken during the night and cry out in fear, or we need someone with whom to celebrate, God is waiting for our call. Turn over your fears and embrace the love of God.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. You are waiting, but sometimes we forget to call out. Help us share our lives with You. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When I feel overwhelmed, God is my safe place.
God will take care of us! Pastor Liz
Comments