Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 21, 2023
Psalm 73:21-28
21 When my heart was bitter, when I was all cut up inside, 22 I was stupid and ignorant. I acted like nothing but an animal toward you. 23 But I was still always with you! You held my strong hand! 24 You have guided me with your advice; later, you will receive me with glory. 25 Do I have anyone else in heaven? There’s nothing on earth I desire except you. 26 My body and my heart fail, but God is my heart’s rock and my share forever. 27 Look! Those far from you die; you annihilate all those who are unfaithful to you. 28 But me? It’s good for me to be near God. I have taken my refuge in you, my LORD God, so that I can talk all about your works!
Good Morning. Today is a new day full of possibilities!
Today is the winter solstice, the day with the fewest hours of sunlight. The long hours of darkness can be challenging. Darkness is described in many ways: fearful, quiet, stark, somber, and dim. In the days of our ancestors, darkness was black. Winter nights can be very long without electricity to light our spaces. When it got dark, you went to bed.
We are people of the light. There are few times in our lives when we experience true darkness and silence. Even if the only light in a room is a green power button, the small speck of light casts a glow that softens the darkness. We have become so immersed in the sounds generated by manmade devices that we find it hard to sleep in total silence. Many people use devices to create noise so they can sleep better.
I believe God is present and waiting to share and talk with us in our moments of complete darkness and silence. When you feel that God is far away and not listening, is it because you haven’t chosen a divine space in which to meet? We set up meetings for many aspects of our lives when we need to talk with someone.
Why not grace yourself with a meeting with God? Darkness and silence create a nurturing venue because we are void of the distractions that light and sound can provide. On this longest night, set aside time for God.
May you find peace in the promise of the solstice night that each day forward is blessed with more light. That the cycle of nature, unbroken and true, Brings faith to your soul and well-being to you. Rejoice in the darkness; in the silence, find rest. And may the days that follow be abundantly blessed.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. Remind us to make time for you in our busy lives. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Life is a great adventure when I start each day with God’s word.
Talk to God! Pastor Liz
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