THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 20TH OCTOBER 2024, MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 20th October 2024 written by Annamaria Vanzulli (Lombardy, Italy)
TOPIC: Looking for God
Today’s Reading
Psalm 34:1-7
Those who look to [the Lord] are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. – Psalm 34:5 (NIV)
Today’s Message
My job vanished suddenly. Though my supervisor had told me, “You have planted good seed; we appreciate you, so don’t lose hope,” a shadow covered my heart. I had been struggling with a season of losses: the death of a beloved friend, a missed opportunity to move abroad, an empty nest after our three children had all moved away.
But the Psalms gave me strength; I found myself crying along with them: “I have come into the deep waters. . . . I am worn out calling for help. . . . My eyes fail, looking for my God” (Ps. 69:2-3). Eventually, though, I read the words above from Psalm 34: “Those who look to [the Lord] are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” I had found God’s promise!
So do not lose sight of God’s love. When dark thoughts come, ponder the psalmist’s words and look for God’s presence: in scripture, in prayer, within your spirit, in beautiful friendships, in acts of love and forgiveness. When we see no light ahead, we can trust the psalmist’s words; God is right beside us.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, sometimes it is not easy to rest in your love and care. But we choose to fight against anxiety and sorrow with your help and that of the people who care for us. Keep us safe in difficult times. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Where do I see God?
Prayer Focus
People struggling with setbacks
The Upper Room Devotional 20th October 2024, 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