The Upper Room Devotional 3 July 2026, Friday Message
Worth the Wait
Charlotte Guest (Oklahoma, USA)
Today’s Reading
Psalm 27:13-14
I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word I hope. – Psalm 130:5 (NRSVUE)
One cool morning I decided to have some hot tea. I love the aroma of spiced tea as much as I enjoy savoring the taste of it. Wanting to hurry the process along, I stirred a little more vigorously. But then I sensed the Lord telling me gently, “Slow down, take your time.”
The steeping process is what allows the tea’s unique flavors, health properties, and aromas to develop fully. It brings out the truest flavors of the tea. Similarly, when we take time to soak in God’s presence and let God gently stir our thoughts and actions, we are enriched, and our truest selves emerge.
As my tea steeped, I watched the sun glistening on the lake. The swallows and chickadees glided overhead, singing their morning songs. Those extra minutes of waiting were a gift and reminded me to take time to soak in God’s presence and enjoy the beauty of creation.
Thought for the Day
Today I will slow down and savor quiet time with God.
Prayer Focus
Those struggling to make time for God
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, help us to slow down. Show us how to use our time to serve you and others well. We pray as Jesus taught us, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:9-13, NIV). Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 3 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