The Upper Room 24 February 2024 Devotional Message
The Upper Room 24 February 2024 Devotional, Saturday Message by Cody Strawser (Ohio, USA)
TOPIC: The Light in the Darkness
TODAY’S READING
Philippians 4:4-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
When I was young, I slept with the light on in the bathroom down the hall because I was afraid of the dark. The light would shine into my bedroom, and I would hear the calming sound of the fan in the bathroom as I drifted off to sleep, feeling safe. Whenever the bathroom light wasn’t on, I felt anxious, and it was much harder for me to fall asleep.
When Paul gave the command not to be anxious, he had greater reason to worry than does a kid who is afraid of the dark. He was in prison for proclaiming the gospel to the nations, and he was unsure of what his future held. In Paul’s moment of uncertainty, he chose to focus his attention on the One who calls himself the light of the world.
When we aren’t sure of where we are headed or how God will lead us, we can choose to trust in Christ and focus on the illuminating grace of his presence. Christ’s light can guide us through the often tumultuous waves of life.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, help us to worry less and trust you to guide our steps. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When I feel worried, I will focus on Christ, the light of the world.
PRAYER FOCUS
People consumed by worry
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.