THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 2ND JANUARY 2025, THURSDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 2nd January 2025 written by Lauren Walker (Texas, USA)
TOPIC: Honest Anger
Today’s Reading
Psalm 103:1-8
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. – Psalm 103:8 (NIV)
Today’s Message
My mother was my hero and my cheerleader. But then because of alcohol, she was in and out of my life. I remember watching my mother slowly be consumed by her addiction. During the progression of my mother’s disease, I was so upset with God that I stopped praying. One day, full of rage, I broke my silence to yell at God for what was happening. I was surprised to sense that God was listening patiently to me, and I began to talk with God more and more each day.
Trusting God during times of sorrow and suffering is difficult. I still have days when it is hard to get out of bed or get into my daily routine without feeling as if I’m just going through the motions. Starting my mornings with prayer and meditation on scripture helps to keep me focused on the day ahead. My heartache remains, but with time and God’s help, the pain of losing parts of my relationship with my mom has ceased and my relationship with God has grown.
Loss in relationships can bring sadness, confusion, and anger. But my relationship with my mom has taught me that God is with us — through any and all situations. God can handle our anger.
Today’s Prayer
O Lord, only you know how deep our hurt is and how long we have lived with it. Help us to release our anger and let go of our bitterness. Thank you for loving us unconditionally. Amen.
Thought for the Day
I can be honest with God, trusting that God will transform my heart.
Prayer Focus
Those angry at a loved one
The Upper Room Devotional 2nd January 2025, 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