Morning Devotional 120725 Awesome God

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 7, 2025 

Isaiah 61:1-7

1 The LORD God’s spirit is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release for captives, and liberation for prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and a day of vindication for our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 to provide for Zion’s mourners, to give them a crown in place of ashes, oil of joy in place of mourning, a mantle of praise in place of discouragement. They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, planted by the LORD to glorify himself. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore formerly deserted places; they will renew ruined cities, places deserted in generations past. 5 Foreigners will stay and shepherd your sheep, and strangers will be your farmers and vinedressers. 6 You will be called The Priests of the LORD; Ministers of Our God, they will say about you. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and fatten yourself on their riches. 7 Instead of shame, their portion will be double; instead of disgrace, they will rejoice over their share. They will possess a double portion in their land; everlasting joy will be theirs.

Good Morning! Everlasting joy is coming!

The Israelites have returned home to find their beloved homeland in ruins. 

Regardless of how and why things are destroyed, seeing beyond the destruction is difficult. After a tornado or hurricane, people return to find their home destroyed, their belongings strewn across the ground, and they are overwhelmed. When even their most precious treasures, like family pictures and heirlooms, are gone, it is hard to look beyond the mess and find the everlasting joy of which Isaiah speaks. 

In these times of despair, God provides the strength and love to allow us to pick up the pieces of desolation and rebuild what has been lost. Through Scripture, we see that God, the Father, leads and provides for his children when the task before them is impossible. Because God has saved in the past, we find the hope of a new tomorrow. 

Through Christ, we are shown that even death can be conquered. 

Our God is an awesome God 

who reigns from heaven above. 

With wisdom, power, and grace,

Our God is an awesome God.

Lord, you bless us abundantly! Thank you for sending your son to save us! We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Through God, all things are possible!

Lean on God during times of trouble! Pastor Liz