The Upper Room Daily Devotional 6th January 2023 by Patricia Kinner Kelly (Florida, 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: Can You Hear It?
TODAY’S READING
1 Kings 19:11-18
After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. – 1 Kings 19:12-13 (NIV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 6th January 2023 MESSAGE
I enjoy eating yogurt in the morning. My cat, Cali, also loves yogurt, but she is often curled in a sunspot in another part of the house when I am ready to eat. No matter where she is, she comes running whenever she hears the small sound of my peeling back the cover of the yogurt.
Over the years I have wondered how to hear God’s voice and call in my life. I tune into God’s loving presence by reading the Bible and The Upper Room, journaling, spending time in community with my church family, talking and sharing with friends, and praying. And Cali’s response to my small sound each morning makes me realize that when I pay attention I can “hear” God’s voice.
I hear God in a Bible verse or a devotion that resonates or a journal entry that reveals a hidden truth. God’s voice is in a phrase from a sermon that stays in my heart and in conversations that suddenly create a deeper spiritual connection to God. When I am in prayer or even just silent and listening, I hear the still small voice of God. And if I respond to God’s voice, I know good things are waiting for me.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, your voice is everywhere and in everything. Help us to listen carefully and respond faithfully. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
What helps me to listen for God’s voice?
PRAYER FOCUS
Those who long to hear God’s voice
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