The Upper Room 24 January 2022 Devotional | Monday Message
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A Place for Us
Josey McChesney (Missouri, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Ephesians 2:14-22
KEY VERSE: See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! – 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
The Upper Room 24 January 2022 Devotional MESSAGE
For most of my life, I have struggled with anxiety. I pile up stresses for myself, and I think of life like I’m running a race with a goal of winning something — good grades, athletic achievement, or being the best at my favorite activities.
In high school, one such goal was to fit in. This goal turned out to be unachievable for several reasons. My limited finances, transportation, and dislike of texting conversations made me unfit to join the group I wanted to be a part of.
At the time I didn’t recognize that even though I struggled to fit in in high school, I was already included in an even more important group: God’s family. This family did not have earthly requirements like the group in high school. This family only needed my love, faith, and belief in the greatest good of all. It does not matter to God where we are from, how much money we have, or if our life is perfect in the world’s eyes. God cares and has a place for every one of us. This promise gives me comfort and a new appreciation for my wonderfully unique and diverse family.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, help us to realize that we are your family and that is what matters most. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I always fit in because I am part of God’s loving family.
PRAYER FOCUS
People struggling with anxiety
The Upper Room 24 January 2022 Devotional. 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