Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 28, 2023
Psalm 67:1-7
1 Let God grant us grace and bless us; let God make his face shine on us, Selah 2 so that your way becomes known on earth, so that your salvation becomes known among all the nations. 3 Let the people thank you, God! Let all the people thank you! 4 Let the people celebrate and shout with joy because you judge the nations fairly and guide all nations on the earth. Selah 5 Let the people thank you, God! Let all the people thank you! 6 The earth has yielded its harvest. God blesses us—our God blesses us! 7 Let God continue to bless us; let the far ends of the earth honor him.
Good Morning! Our God is an Awesome God!
1 Thessalonians 5:16: Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances.
As we prepare to usher out 2023, it is time to reflect upon our lives, particularly the past year. Some years, it is more challenging than others to find the “good” things. This is especially true of those among the “glass half-empty crowd.”
I believe in the power of positive thinking. No matter what challenges we face, there is good to be gleaned. This past year, I encountered many unexpected events. I have the big, obvious ones: the fire at Rose Park and my dad’s passing. There are many smaller ones that I have mostly forgotten in the grand scheme of things. Of course, there are those things that just didn’t go the way I hoped or planned. It is easy to sit and dwell on all that went wrong, but what do I gain from that in the end? Misery and despair?
So what happens when we flip the script, look at these same events from a new perspective, and give thanks in all circumstances? The fire was horrific, but so many blessings and opportunities for me and the church to grow were born in those ashes. I thank God for my calling to serve his children in this special time of need.
For the last eight months of my dad’s life, I was able to spend time with him, which hadn’t been possible for many years. We were blessed as we shared stories, ate meals, and spent time together. He lived a great life and shared a great love with my mom. Knowing that they are reunited is a great blessing.
When reviewing the past year, don’t forget to look for the good, even within your greatest challenges, and thank God! Paul shares these words with the Ephesians in 5:18-20
… but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We are quick to give thanks when things are well. Help us focus on what is good and lovely in all situations so we might give thanks in all circumstances. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God offers comfort and reassurance no matter my situation.
On this fourth day of Christmas, give thanks! Pastor Liz
Amen!