THE UPPER ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL 12 MAY 2024, SUNDAY MESSAGE
TOPIC: Depending on God
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 103:13-22
[Jesus] said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
TODAY’S MESSAGE
When I was placed on strict bed rest during pregnancy, I was shocked. I have worked for most of my life and have always liked to stay busy — my five children are evidence of that! But I was in danger of losing my baby, so I asked people to pray for me and focused on the work of resting.
Since I could get out of bed only to go to the bathroom and shower, I depended on others to do all my usual daily tasks. I was tempted to feel helpless and lonely. But then God brought the above verse to my mind, and it changed my perspective and humbled me. I believe Jesus is telling his disciples to recognize their dependence on God — to be like children who trust that their loving parent will provide what they need.
I wondered, How much of my life is actually within my control? How often do I take credit for things that only God can orchestrate? I realized that God provides everything I need — even my next breath. Instead of feeling helpless, I felt free to rest in God’s care and to praise God for being such a wonderful Parent.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for being our capable and loving Parent. We recognize that our lives are in your hands. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Today I will celebrate God’s plans for me.
PRAYER FOCUS
People on bed rest
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 12 May 2024 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