The Upper Room Devotional 9th February 2026, Monday Message
Determined
Milton Gaitán Castrillón (Valle del Cauca, Colombia)
Today’s Reading
Psalm 121:1-8
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. – Psalm 5:12 (NIV)
I was riding the bus to church when I saw a woman suddenly snatch the purse of another passenger sitting close to me. I immediately prayed for God’s help as the robber approached me and demanded that I give her my satchel. I felt emboldened and it must have shown on my face. When the robber looked at me, she appeared startled and exited the bus quickly even though I had done nothing to her.
My attention then turned to what was happening to the bus driver — he was being assaulted by an apparent accomplice. I rushed to help the driver and wrestled with the accomplice, all the while praying for God to give me strength. A few moments later, the accomplice was subdued and afterward was turned over to the authorities.
As I continued on my way to church, people who had witnessed these events started applauding, though I didn’t understand why. I was quick to tell them that without God’s help, none of my actions would have been possible. God was my help; God was my shield.
Thought for the Day
God is by my side all day, every day.
Prayer Focus
Bus drivers and passengers
Today’s Prayer
Merciful God, help us to hold fast to the words of the psalmist, trusting that you will guard our going out and our coming in. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 9th 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