The Upper Room Devotional 29 July 2026, Tuesday Message
Holding on
Janis Gregg Pressley (Maryland, USA)
Today’s Reading
Psalm 91:9-16
God says, “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name. Whenever you cry out to me, I’ll answer. I’ll be with you in troubling times. I’ll save you and glorify you.” – Psalm 91:14-15 (CEB)
Many years ago, I belonged to a group of people who got together regularly to ride horses. We camped, rode trails, and participated in parades.
On one particular ride, one of the horses bolted from the horse trailer. Without thinking I grabbed the lead line, which slid through my hands, leaving severe rope burns. My injury prevented me from participating in the trail ride, so for hours I sat alone, nursing my hands as they began to blister. I knew I should have just let the rope go instead of holding on. As I had often done in other areas of my life, I tried to control things by myself rather than trusting God’s promises.
Looking at my injured palms, I thought of how I needed to let go of my desire for control and trust God in every area of my life. With that revelation, I gained a new sense of peace. When my friends returned, they found me smiling and ready to head home with the plan to put my trust in God, no matter what occurs in my life.
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in our lives. Make us aware that your love, power, and wisdom are always available to us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
I relinquish control to God who is always trustworthy.
Prayer Focus
To trust God through good times and bad
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The Upper Room Devotional 29 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
