THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 28TH AUGUST 2025, THURSDAY MESSAGE
Unprepared.
Bonita Jewel (California, USA)
Today’s Reading
Psalm 19:7-14
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Key Verse: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. – Psalm 20:7 (KJV)
The Upper Room Devotional – 28th August 2025: MESSAGE
I recently applied for a job that required a written examination. I would have one hour to answer 60 questions. However, no information was given as to the kind of questions that would be on the exam. So I did some online research, and I borrowed a book from the library. When I started the exam, though, neither the online research nor the library book had given me the information I needed. I simply had to do the best I could in the time allotted.
Life is like that, isn’t it? We wish we could study for future tests and trials; but when we are plunged into some unexpected circumstance, we find there is little we could have done to prepare. No comprehensive guide exists on how to survive after a spouse’s infidelity or how to live joyfully when suffering from depression. There are few stages of life we will go into feeling completely prepared.
So what do we do? We trust God’s love and guidance. We strengthen ourselves by reading and following God’s word, by spending time in worship and prayer. And when unexpected exams of life come, we simply do the best we can. Above all, we trust that the One who has our best interests at heart will help us navigate every test that comes our way.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, help us to know without doubt that all things are in your hands, even in times of severe testing. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Instead of trusting only in my own efforts, I can trust in God’s wisdom and direction.
Prayer Focus
Someone applying for a new job
The Upper Room Devotional 28th August 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