The Upper Room Devotional 18 June 2026, Thursday Message
The Narrow Way
Victoria Kubasak (California, USA)
Today’s Reading
Matthew 7:13-23
Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. . . . For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14 (NRSVUE)
One day I needed time to think and reflect on all that was happening in my life. I decided to go for a walk in the forest on a path I have walked many times before. The cloudy day matched my mood. As I approached the trail, what I saw disappointed me further. Weeds had taken over and choked out the once lovely path. I almost turned back, but looking more closely, I could see that the encroaching weeds had left a narrow trail down the center.
Had I turned back I would have missed out on the restorative peace that walk brought me.
I realized that this is often what I do when something looks hard. When I think there are barriers or I cannot see a clear path forward, I turn back and surrender to the weeds of life rather than trust that God will open a path before me and show me the way.
Traipsing between the weeds made me think of today’s quoted scripture. I truly felt God’s presence on my walk that morning. And I was reminded that if I allow the weeds of life to deter me from walking the narrow path to God, I miss out on the restoration, newness of life, and clarity that comes only from walking with the Lord.
Thought for the Day
God meets me on the narrow path.
Prayer Focus
To trust God in the face of obstacles
Today’s Prayer
God of creation, may we seek to walk the narrow path to you. Help us remember today and every day that you provide a way through the weeds of life. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 18 June 2026 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