THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 16TH JULY 2025, WEDNESDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 16th July 2025 written by Mike C. Bertoglio (Georgia, USA)
TOPIC: A Closer Look
Today’s Reading
Isaiah 43:19-23
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
I followed signs to a sunflower field, expecting to see a multitude of flowers in full bloom. But what I found was a huge collection of dead and blackened stumps.
Though at first put off by the starkness of the place, I stood still and studied the scene. I heard many bird sounds and saw a Carolina wren darting in and out of the stalks, searching for seeds. A couple of little yellow birds — goldfinches perhaps — darted past me. Other birds I could not identify were also there along with several monarch butterflies fluttering about. And I saw several wild, blue morning glories winding up the dead stalks of the sunflowers. The site that seemed dead at first glance was teeming with life.
The words of Isaiah came to mind: “I am doing a new thing. . . . Do you not perceive it?” God is working in places that may seem dry and dead. We may look around us and not immediately see any signs of new life. Yet when we take a closer look, life surprises us. God’s creative power will never disappoint.
Today’s Prayer
Creator and Sustainer, thank you for your ongoing creative power that brings new life to the world. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God’s creative power is at work — even when I can’t immediately see it.
Prayer Focus
Gratitude for God’s work in my life
The Upper Room Devotional 16th July 2025, 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