Morning Devotional 121624 Safe and Secure

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  December 16, 2024

Psalm 31:19-24 

19 How great is the goodness that you’ve reserved for those who honor you, that you commit to those who take refuge in you in the sight of everyone! 20 You hide them in the shelter of your wings, safe from human scheming. You conceal them in a shelter, safe from accusing tongues. 21 Bless the LORD, because he has wondrously revealed his faithful love to me when I was like a city under siege! 22 When I was panicked, I said, “I’m cut off from your eyes!” But you heard my request for mercy when I cried out to you for help. 23 All you who are faithful, love the LORD! The LORD protects those who are loyal, but he pays the proud back to the fullest degree. 24 All you who wait for the LORD, be strong and let your heart take courage.

Good Morning! Be strong and let your heart take courage!

I remember when I was a young child venturing away from my parents. I didn’t go far, but just far enough to be independent, and then a loud or strange noise would startle me, and I would run back to my mom or dad. As a teenager, I held a sleepover. We were sleeping in the family room (our garage turned into a room), and after we turned out the lights to go to sleep, we got scared. Every sound made us uneasy. We decided to leave the light on and eventually went to sleep.

Looking back on those events, I realize that I was scared by the sounds that were present all the time, but I hadn’t focused on them. The best part was finding comfort when I returned to my parent or turned on a night light. 

God, our creator, is always available to shelter us or be our light in the darkness. When I feel uneasy or scared, I say a little prayer, asking for comfort. Sometimes, God calls me to be somewhere I’d rather avoid. Before going in, I pray, God, you brought me here; please direct me as I do your will. When I feel God’s power within me, I can be strong and let my heart take courage even in the most difficult situations.

Loving Lord, We are your children! Thank you for sheltering us when we feel scared or alone. You make us feel safe and secure when we lean upon you. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Through faith, we will persevere. 

God is with all who believe! Pastor Liz