THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 16TH DECEMBER 2024, MONDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 16th December 2024 written by William Balch (Pennsylvania, USA)
TOPIC: A Persistent Sparrow
Today’s Reading
Psalm 31:19-24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24 (NIV)
Today’s Message
Once, not far from my home, I saw a large flock of sparrows landing on a telephone wire. The line was packed with birds sitting nearly shoulder to shoulder. One bird, late to arrive, could not find a place to perch. With great persistence, it kept fluttering back and forth looking for a spot to sit. The bird finally found a place barely wide enough to accommodate it. That tiny bird did not give up.
This observation made me think about hope. Hope in God is expressed eloquently in Psalm 31. Such hope is rare in our world today, where we so often see violence and division among people. When our society seems to offer us little reason to feel optimistic, are we not more likely to find hope in our faith and its timeless values?
Sometimes when I struggle with difficulties of my own, I might become discouraged and feel overwhelmed. Nevertheless, I can take heart in remembering the persistence of the tiny sparrow and the words of Psalm 31. With God’s help and guidance, I can keep persevering with hope.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, may we remember to follow your guidance. May we not be afraid to be hopeful. Amen.
Thought for the Day
I will persevere because of my faith.
Prayer Focus
Those seeking hope
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More from William Balch
The Upper Room Devotional 16th December 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