The Upper Room Devotional 27 July 2026, Monday Message
A Bump in the Road
John Alan Cox (Michigan, USA)
Today’s Reading
Psalm 121:1-8
I lift up my eyes to the hills — from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2 (NRSVUE)
Last summer, my wife and I went on a road trip. My wife was driving, and in the road ahead of us, she saw what she thought was a black plastic bag. She couldn’t change lanes, so we hit the plastic bag, except that’s not what it was — it was an anvil! We couldn’t believe it!
She was able to maneuver the car to the side of the road before it thundered to a stop. But because of construction, the road didn’t have much of a shoulder. Other cars and trucks sped past us, and we couldn’t get out of our car. We called the police, our insurance company, and a towing company. After three hours, our car was finally on a tow truck, and we were on our way to a safer place.
Trying to process what happened, we asked, “Why us, Lord?” However, after we calmed down, we realized how blessed we had been. Although the car was totaled, no one was physically hurt, and that was a blessing. In that moment of gratitude, we realized it could have been much worse. As we waited for help to arrive, I thought of today’s quoted scripture.
It wasn’t how we had planned to spend the day, but in the end, I was reminded that God is always present with us through all things. Whatever bumps in the road we encounter, God is with us.
Today’s Prayer
God of all things, when we feel helpless, remind us of your ever-present Spirit. Amen.
Thought for the Day
No matter what I go through, God is always with me.
Prayer Focus
Those traveling to see family
The Upper Room Devotional 27 July 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