The Upper Room 17th January 2024 Devotional
The Upper Room 17th January 2024 Devotional, Wednesday Message by David Anglen (Texas, USA)
TOPIC: God’s Protection
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 57:1-11
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. – Psalm 57:1 (NIV)
My wife and I operate a small farm.
One evening, we were away from home when we received a call from our neighbor who told us that one of our cows was having her calf in the pasture.
The time immediately after birth can be dangerous for both the mother and the newborn since both are weak and the birth process often attracts predators.
It was dark when we got home. After getting our flashlights and going out to the pasture, we were rewarded with the sight of a healthy newborn calf lying beside its mother. We also found our llamas and our livestock guardian dog standing in a circle around the cow and calf. The llamas and dog provided comfort and protection to their vulnerable charges. As we moved the cow and her calf to the shelter of the barn, we were escorted by the llamas and dog.
For me, that was a memorable illustration of the protection and refuge God provides. We may not face the same physical threats as livestock, but we do face fear, worry, temptation, loneliness, and grief that prey on our relationship with God. When I look back at difficult times in my life, I can see that God provided protection and comfort, often in the form of support from fellow Christians. Just as the llamas and dog provided protection and comfort to the cow and her calf, God provides protection and comfort to us.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Our Father, thank you for the many ways you comfort us when we are vulnerable. Help us always to find our refuge in you. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God is my refuge, especially when I am the most vulnerable.
PRAYER FOCUS
Farmers
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