The Upper Room Devotional 20th February 2026, Thursday Message
Footsteps
Amy Oyler (Georgia, USA)
Today’s Reading
Psalm 139:1-6
You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. – Psalm 139:13 (NIV)
My husband and I have three sons, and I noticed recently that I can easily identify each one by their footsteps on the stairs in our home. One goes quickly and jumps down the last few steps with a thud. Another has a lighter step, and the third has a steady, even gait. I cultivated this skill without even realizing it!
I love and know my sons thoroughly. But as much as I know my sons, how much more does God — the One who knit me together in my mother’s womb — know me! God knows my innermost thoughts. God knows what I will say, do, or think before it happens. It’s both comforting and unnerving to be so completely known. It’s comforting because I am secure in God’s love for me, but it’s unnerving because I know that I am flawed. However, I think of my love for my sons. No matter their flaws or mistakes, I love them completely, and this reminds me of God’s unconditional love for me. Even so, just as my children apologize and acknowledge their mistakes, I too must confess and repent of my sins.
It delighted me to discover that I have this special knowledge of my sons. I trust that God delights even more in knowing me.
Thought for the Day
I am a beloved child of God.
Prayer Focus
My family
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Today’s Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for creating us, knowing us, and loving us completely. May our footsteps always follow yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 20th 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