The Upper Room Devotional – 1st February 2026, Sunday Message
God’s Handiwork
Rick Menasco (Arkansas, USA)
Today’s Reading
Psalm 96:1-6
Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty. – Psalm 104:1 (NRSVUE)
Years ago I had some friends who would invite my son and me to a lake house. We always had a fun time, but my favorite part was at the end of each day when the adults would grab their drinks, take along snacks, and get into the boat. We would motor out to the middle of the lake to watch the sun go down.
I still like to step outside and experience the wonder and beauty of God’s creation: a crisp, early spring morning; a welcome thunderstorm in the middle of a scorching summer; birds chirping as a gentle breeze softly wisps through the trees; a blanket of freshly fallen snow. The majesty and splendor of God is all around us, and taking it in is always a moving experience for me. That is one of the reasons I love reading the Bible, especially the Psalms. The deep, heartfelt emotions the psalmists express when referring to God’s creation is uplifting. Daily life can become so hectic that we neglect to take a moment to immerse ourselves in God’s handiwork — visible signs that God is forever present in our lives.
Thought for the Day
In every new day I can experience God’s majesty and splendor.
Prayer Focus
Those who care for the environment
Today’s Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for revealing your glory to us through your creation and your word. May we remember to bask in your wisdom and glory as we soak up the warmth and encouragement of your presence. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 1st February 2026 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