Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 8, 2023
Psalm 40:1-5
1 I put all my hope in the LORD. He leaned down to me; he listened to my cry for help. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of death, out of the mud and filth, and set my feet on solid rock. He steadied my legs. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise for our God. Many people will learn of this and be amazed; they will trust the LORD. 4 Those who put their trust in the LORD, who pay no attention to the proud or to those who follow lies, are truly happy! 5 You, LORD my God! You’ve done so many things your wonderful deeds and your plans for us no one can compare with you! If I were to proclaim and talk about all of them, they would be too numerous to count!
Good Morning. God raises us up when we need a hand!
The imagery of this Psalm gives me great hope. Imagine the love and mercy of our God who lifts us from the pit of death, out of the mud and filth, and sets our feet on solid rock.
Praise be to God! Amen!
I am reminded of Simeon, the priest to whom Mary and Joseph presented Jesus for his blessing. Simeon, whose name meant “to hear,” spent years listening to the prayers of others. He was there when the words sounded loud and angry. He was there when the words were interrupted by tears and sobs. He was there when the words were no longer distinguishable and had dissipated into sighs and groans.
Simeon prayerfully asked God to allow him to continue (not die) until he saw the Messiah. On the morning that he blessed Jesus and he was revealed to him, Simeon responded with these words, known as the nunc dimittis: 1 Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. 2 My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people; 3 A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.
After the fulfillment of seeing the Messiah, God had other plans for Simeon, he was called to sing a new song. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise for our God. Many people will learn of this and be amazed; they will trust the LORD. After a lifetime of listening and intercession for others, he was now to share the glory of the Christ Child.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. Thank you for raising us up when we can no longer do so by ourselves. Thank you for the gift of Jesus, who came to bring hope, peace, love, and joy. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Our tears are prayers that reach to God when we cannot speak.
Sing a New Song! Pastor Liz
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