The Upper Room Daily Devotional 28 June 2022 for Tuesday Message
Read The Upper Room Daily Devotional 28 June 2022 Message by Sergio Luis Alfonso (Bulacan, Philippines)
<< Previous The Upper Room Devotional
TOPIC: Rejoice!
TODAY’S READING
Philippians 4:4-9
KEY VERSE: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4:4-5 (NIV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 28 June 2022 MESSAGE
The year 2020 was a hard year for everyone. In my country we experienced turmoil not only because of the COVID-19 pandemic but also because of political unrest, which we are still experiencing. Every day seems a nightmare, and I feel little peace in my heart.
I can relate to the apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians. He was in prison, and the church in Philippi was worried about him. He used a form of the word rejoice 13 times. Why would he speak of joy when he may have been about to die? For Paul, joy and comfort came from the Lord: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Even in the toughest situations God is near us, and that nearness gives us comfort and joy.
I have experienced a number of challenging situations: I failed the CPA exam twice; the university I was working with closed; my parents both work at a bank and thus are at higher risk for COVID-19 exposure. However, Paul’s words remind me to rejoice — even in these stressful times — because no matter what, Jesus is still our Savior.
Even though we experience pain and suffering, God remains faithful. We can find joy in that truth. And in our rejoicing, God gives us shalom — peace.
TODAY’S PRAYER
O Lord, your peace transcends all understanding. May our eyes be fixed on your Son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Even in difficult times, God is faithful to bring me joy.
PRAYER FOCUS
Countries facing political unrest
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 28 June 2022 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. Read More
