The Upper Room Devotional 23 April 2026, Thursday Message
Out of My Comfort Zone
Rick Menasco (Arkansas, USA)
Today’s Reading
Joshua 1:6-9
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I am the Lord your God, who grasps your strong hand, who says to you, Don’t fear; I will help you. – Isaiah 41:13 (CEB)
When I was young — no older than about five — I lived in a small community in East Texas. My dad taught me how to swim at the community pool. I loved being in the water and learning to swim. One day my dad said he wanted me to jump off the low diving board for the first time, and I was petrified. Fear gripped me at the thought of jumping off the board.
My dad treaded water in front of the board and assured me that he would catch me. I whined, complained, and cried, but he was insistent that I jump. I stood on the board for what seemed like forever. Then suddenly, not knowing what compelled me, I just jumped. My dad caught me and pushed me toward the ladder. He was there for me in my moment of fear.
Sometimes God will take us out of our comfort zone, away from what is familiar. It can be scary, but God is faithful and trustworthy. We can depend on God to grasp our hand and help us move through our fear.
Thought for the Day
In my most fearful moments, I can always depend on God.
Prayer Focus
For courage in new situations
Read More
Forward in Faith
Today’s Prayer
Faithful Father, help us to live our lives with the confidence that your presence and assistance is always with us. As Jesus taught us, we pray, “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 23 April 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
