THE UPPER ROOM 11TH SEPTEMBER 2024 DAILY DEVOTIONAL , WEDNESDAY MESSAGE
TOPIC: Sitting with Sadness
Today’s Reading
Proverbs 25:11-20
Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. – Proverbs 25:20 (NIV)
Today’s Message
Over the years, I have had people tell me, “Smile, it can’t be that bad!” or “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.” At times, I’ve confided in a friend about a problem, only to be reminded that others have it worse. To be honest, I’ve said and done the same. Pain — our own and others’ — makes us deeply uncomfortable, and in offering such words we try to move quickly through the difficult moments.
But God is teaching me to sit with my own grief, pain, and anxiety and that of others rather than trying to rush the healing process. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of lament. In the Psalms and in Ecclesiastes, negative emotions are poured out to God. And Jesus did not hesitate to share his fears with his heavenly Father as he faced death on the cross.
The Bible teaches us that the day will come when God will wipe away every tear (see Rev. 21:4) and turn our mourning into dancing (see Ps. 30:11). In the meantime, as we look with hope toward that future, we can be honest with ourselves and others about what we’re going through. So the next time a friend confides in me, instead of saying “God never gives us more than we can handle,” I’m just going to sit and listen.
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to listen to those who are hurting without trying to minimize their pain. Remind us that healing will come in your perfect timing. Amen.
Thought for the Day
I will take time to listen to those who are hurting.
Prayer Focus
To be an empathetic listener
The Upper Room 11th September 2024 Daily Devotional Message. The Upper Room 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. The meditations are stories of real people working to live faithfully with the Bible as their touchstone. Every day, readers of The Upper Room around the world read the same story in many different languages and pray the same prayer together. Read More