THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 5th February 2023 by Beverly Taylor (Arizona, USA) As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: Carefully Shaped
TODAY’S READING
Jeremiah 18:1-10
I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. – Jeremiah 18:3-4 (NIV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 5th February 2023 MESSAGE
My neighbor has a beautiful tree, a spreading green canopy with a gentle shape. Its loveliness is no surprise because my neighbor is fully dedicated to caring for and shaping her tree. I have watched her gently clip any wayward tangled leaf or stem, choosing what cut will make the best shape. After a battering storm she vigorously prunes the broken or damaged branches. Watching this process for several years, I have realized it holds a significant spiritual lesson: God shapes our imperfect lives.
Just as my neighbor shapes her tree, God is molding me through everyday circumstances. God can use even shattering storms to do good work in me. I have experienced deep, devastating sorrow that ripped everything from me until all I could cling to was the simple belief that “Jesus loves me, this I know!” Through these crushing times I often wondered, How could all these difficult things possibly be working together for my good?
I am learning to trust that God is dedicated to forming me into a better version of myself. My neighbor’s tree is a beautiful reminder that God is carefully shaping me.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank you, Creator, for knowing just where we need your love to reshape our lives. Make us ready to do your work in the world. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God is reshaping my life day by day.
PRAYER FOCUS
My neighbors
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