Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
December 31, 2021
Read Mark 4:35-41
35 Later that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” 36 They left the crowd and took him in the boat just as he was. Other boats followed along. 37 Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. 38 But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?” 39 He got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. 40 Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?” 41 Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”
Good Morning! It’s just another New Year’s Eve.
This is the last day of 2021. For most, it has been a very interesting year. Within our country, there have been so many struggles with extreme weather events, racial inequality, and the COVID virus. Our news never seems to lack for these stories, but sometimes almost hidden by all of the distractions are stories of hope and joy.
It is easy to only see the “big” news events which can make us question where our world is headed. Like the disciples on the boat during the storm, we might be asking ourselves where is Jesus in all of this. How can a loving God allow all of the heartaches among his children? The answer is that God allows us free will to live our lives and make our choices and decisions. Some of our choices lead to good, but some do not.
This is all part of the learning process that will allow us to evolve into the beings that God sees within each of us. God never promises an easy life without struggles. This “easy” life would not allow us to grow and transform because when everything is easy we become complacent and lose sight of the possibilities of things yet unseen.
What God does promise is to be with us always, to “be in the boat” and answer our call when we cannot steer for ourselves. We are called to joyfully serve God in even the tasks that seem most basic. Our stories may be obscure to a world full of distractions, but we must continue to share the hope and joy through which God’s love will endure. God is Love! God’s Love is Power. The power to overcome all evils so that all may join together at God’s heavenly banquet table.
Creator God, Thank You for loving us. Too often, we call out and ask if you still care for us. Help us trust in you and feel your presence within us. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Rather than focusing on the storm, I will focus on Jesus, who is always with me.
Look for the joy! Pastor Liz
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