TOPIC: 1st Sunday of Advent
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 143:7-10
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. – Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Christmas is usually my favorite season, and I look forward to it with great anticipation. Many years ago, though, I was filled with emptiness despite the approaching holiday. A relationship with a man I loved and had planned my future with had fallen apart that autumn. All of a sudden, my life felt aimless.
I spent the holidays at home with my widowed father that year. One drab day in late December, I looked through his kitchen window and felt that the overcast weather mirrored my emotions. When I turned around, I noticed my father’s appointment calendar. On the date I had arrived, he had written my flight information. Underneath it was a note: “Lisa home. Happy, happy!”
Suddenly, I was overwhelmed by the impact of his love. How could I feel so empty knowing that my presence caused my father so much joy? On a deeper level, I was reminded that I also have a heavenly parent who loves me and rejoices over me, even more than my earthly parent does. I knew this love would carry me through my breakup and any other hard times that I might face. Now, decades later, I can say that God’s love continues to sustain me.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Gracious Lord, thank you for your unfailing love, which is the anchor for our lives. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Like a loving parent, God rejoices over me.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those who feel rejected
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More From Lisa Stackpole
Thank you for reading The Upper Room 27th November 2022 Devotional Message for Sunday. Encourage someone today by sharing this Gospel.
READ: Daily Prayer for Today 27th November 2022 | Advent Prayer