The Upper Room Devotional 14th November 2023
The Upper Room Devotional 14th November 2023, Tuesday Message by Carol Round (Oklahoma, USA)
TOPIC: Committing My Life
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 6:25-34
The Lord said, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Checking items off my daily to-do list used to give me a sense of accomplishment and control over my life. But when my 28-year marriage ended, I began to realize I could not control everything. Before then, I hadn’t surrendered my life to Christ. I knew of God, but I didn’t know God personally.
One day, feeling full of anxiety and fear about my future, I walked to a nearby lake. I sat at a picnic table watching the geese as a cool breeze blew across the lake. It was as if God were speaking to me, wrapping me in an embrace to reassure me of God’s love.
For the first time in my life, I prayed aloud. I said, “Please give me some direction, God. I am so lost.” A sense of peace came over me. From that moment on, I have continued committing my life to God, trusting that God has a greater plan for me than I could ever imagine. My future no longer feels bleak.
In Matthew 6:33-34, Jesus told his followers to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness and not to worry about tomorrow. What a comfort it is to know God is with us and we need not worry.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Abba Father, when we are overwhelmed with life’s trials and filled with despair, help us remember your loving presence. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Today I will pause and listen for God’s still, small voice.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those who feel lost
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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.
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