The Upper Room Daily Devotional 9th December 2022 written by Cassius Rhue (South Carolina, USA) As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: My Old Bird Feeder
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 6:25-34
Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? – Matthew 6:26 (NRSV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 9th December 2022 MESSAGE
I looked out into the backyard and smiled at the sight of the old bird feeder dangling from its hook. A handful of seeds remained from the winter, and the sound of birds echoed in the distance. My thoughts drifted back to the day I bought that feeder.
Back then, my paycheck was far less than I had hoped — the result of a poor quarter in company sales and a near miss on a performance bonus. The medical bills from a growing family and a season of difficulty presented fears I hadn’t imagined as I calculated how little might remain after paying the bills. In the day that followed, my Bible study time ended with the words from today’s reading, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (NIV). The words were timely, and I made up my mind to do two things: tithe before paying a single bill and buy a bird feeder.
Now, years later, when times feel tough and uncertainty or trouble looms near, the bird feeder reminds me that I am more valuable than the birds that God feeds and cares for every day.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, when uncertainties cause us to worry, help us to seek you first and to trust with joy and hope that you will give us what we need. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
What helps me to trust in God’s provision?
PRAYER FOCUS
Those burdened by unplanned expenses
READ: Streams of Joy Devotional – 8th December 2022 | Not Too Late
The Upper Room is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More