THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 2 March 2023, Thursday Message. 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)
Renewed in Christ
Sheryl Ramstad (Minnesota, USA)
TODAY’S READING
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
My brother, a congressman and devoted public servant, suffered from Lewy body dementia. It was painful to watch the disease take my brother from me as his body and mind deteriorated year by year, month by month, and sometimes day by day. Some days he could no longer remember who he had married or how old he was.
During this time, my brother was in a Bible study with two close friends who observed his decline. Near the end of his life, he had glimpses of heaven; he would talk to his deceased parents and grandparents and see light. In his final days, he assured his family that everything would be all right. As his body and mind approached their earthly end, my brother seemed to be at peace — a peace that surpassed understanding (Phil. 4:7).
Today’s scripture reading comforted me. Although my brother had been wasting away for a long time, in Christ his spirit was being made new each day. What a hopeful message for us all! As we age and our bodies begin to decline, the Bible assures us that “we are being renewed, day by day,” until it is time for us to go home to our Lord and Savior.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Loving God, even as our bodies fail us, comfort us with the knowledge that we are being renewed in spirit through the love of Christ. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Even as my body declines, my spirit is made new in Christ.
PRAYER FOCUS
People suffering from physical pain
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