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HomeENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAYEncouragement for Today - December 20, 2022 Devotional

Encouragement for Today – December 20, 2022 Devotional

Encouragement for Today - December 20, 2022 Devotional
Encouragement for Today – December 20, 2022 Devotional, Tuesday MessageĀ (Proverbs31 Ministries). As you study todayā€™s devotional, remember this; ā€œWork hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.ā€ 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)

TOPIC: Lift Our Eyes

SCRIPTURE: ā€œI lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.ā€ Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)

Encouragement for Today – December 20, 2022 Devotional MESSAGE

Dusk is coming, but instead of letting it slide through the windows of my apartment, I am drawn to seek more of the sun. Iā€™m tired physically, mentally and emotionally ā€” but I don my down jacket and scarf, slip out the door and put my feet to pavement.

Itā€™s an unusually warm day for this time of year in Wisconsin, so I take advantage of the fleeting good weather and head to a tiny park that consists of one small but steep hill.

Itā€™s been a long season full of unanswered questions, loads of waiting and a plethora of uncertainties. There have been times Iā€™ve prayed and pleaded with God only to get no answer, and Iā€™ve felt alone and unheard.

But this week, Psalm 121 has been ringing in my mind. Iā€™ve been drawn to it, read it many times, and remembered God as Helper and Keeper.

My boots transition from the pavement to patches of grass and snow as I enter the park. All the while, I repeat portions of the psalm to myself, breath crisp and clear:

ā€œI lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earthā€ (Psalm 121:1-2).

The sunā€™s lowering behind clouds, but thereā€™s enough color left to know thereā€™s a sunset coming. I begin my climb up the hill, which is already slick with packed-down snow and a layer of ice. After slipping in my boots, which are designed more for comfort than functionality, I cling to the snowy fence posts and haul myself slowly to the top, where I watch the sky churn raspberry, blazing orange and soft red as the sun breaks through the clouds.

Rays of orange light spike through the charcoal and purple clouds into the still-bright blue sky. Worship music in my earbuds, I stand with hands outstretched, knowing Iā€™m meeting with the God to whom my eyes have lifted. I watch and worship the God whoā€™s spinning colors effortlessly.

My situation doesnā€™t change or immediately clear up, but as I stand and worship, simply being in His presence helps remind me that He is over all things, that He is the maker of heaven and earth.

ā€œThe LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.ā€ (Psalm 121:7-8, ESV)

We may be weary from things that donā€™t seem to change ā€” health struggles, strained relationships, job challenges, loneliness from a need for community ā€” but we can lift our eyes to the Lord, who will not allow us to stumble. He who provides beauty in a sorbet sunset atop a small hill surely sees us, His children. He invites us to rest in His unchanging grace, soak in His strength, and be still and know He is with us.

When we pause and take in the magnitude of His glory, we get to remember how faithful He has been to us in the past and trust He is taking care of us today.

When we lift our eyes to the hills and set our hopes higher than our eyesight, the Lord comes into view.

He is above our challenges and pain, yet He personally resides within us, drawing us close, whispering to our hurting hearts. Letā€™s lift our eyes to the hills of hope and look to where our help comes from: God, who makes a way and holds us steady.

Father, I am surrounded by circumstances that overwhelm me. I am sinking in my pain and concern, but You see all thatā€™s happening. I lift my eyes up to You and remember that You are my Helper and Keeper. Thank You that You are faithful. In Jesusā€™ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Isaiah 41:10, ā€œfear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.ā€ (ESV)

How can you take comfort in knowing God is with you and promises to help you?

Make time to watch a sunset and be in His presence, being thankful that the God of the heavens is the God of your heart.

Encouragement for Today – December 20, 2022 Devotional Message. Encourage someone today by sharing this Gospel.

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