THE UPPER ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL 5 AUGUST 2024, MONDAY MESSAGE
TOPIC: Life Abundant
Today’s Reading
Psalm 139:13-24
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. – Genesis 1:31 (NIV)
TODAY’S MESSAGE
For nearly 30 years I have suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome. This illness takes various forms for different people, and in my case I experience extreme fatigue with very little pain. But it stops me from doing things I want to do and serving the Lord in the way I would like to.
At times I have resented my illness, wanting to lead a full and busy life only to be pulled up short by my limitations. But sometimes I am able to look upon my illness as a blessing. It has stopped me from being proud since I can no longer rely on my own skill. I now have sympathy for others who are ill, which has made me a kinder person.
And I can pray. There is no shortage of people who need my prayers. When I say to someone, “I’ll pray for you,” I can mean it and do it. There is now time for me to listen to other people, to hear their woes and confidences, and then encourage them through emails, texts, or letters. The pace of my life is slower. There is time to listen to the birds and revel in nature. Even in the frustration of chronic illness, God is with me, helping me to live life abundantly.
Today’s Prayer
Loving Father, help us to find your presence and blessing in our current circumstances. Give us strength and courage to trust you. Amen.
Thought for the Day
No matter my circumstances, God will help me to live life abundantly.
Prayer Focus
Those with chronic fatigue syndrome
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 5 August 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