The Upper Room Daily Devotional 3rd August 2023
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 3rd August 2023The Upper Room 3rd August 2023 Daily Devotional, Thursday Message by Ree Pashley (Arusha, Tanzania)
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TOPIC: Flood Waters
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 29:7-11
KEY VERSE: The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. – Psalm 29:10-11 (NIV)
MESSAGE: When my son was in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) his health and his ability to breathe independently were out of my control. But so, it seemed, was everything else. My father-in-law was ill; my car wouldn’t start; and we had plumbing issues at home.
As much as I tried not to worry, I didn’t feel hopeful about anything.
Then one morning I read Psalm 29, and verses 10 and 11 resonated with me. The previous verses mention majestic forests, mountains, and great trees. They speak to God’s power in a way that commands a response of awe.
But verse 10 points to flood waters. That’s more what my life felt like. Yet David says that God rules over the flood — over the hard, ugly aspects of our lives. Even though I felt overwhelmed, God was not.
On my own, I couldn’t think positively any more than I could will my child’s lungs to fill with air. In recognizing God’s power in every aspect of life, I could ask for God’s blessing of peace. I didn’t have to have a positive outlook; I could acknowledge that life felt difficult. Instead of trying by my own means to be hopeful, I asked God to give me strength and peace, knowing that God rules even in the flood.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, we know that you are in control, even in difficult circumstances. Bless us with your strength and your peace. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I will remember that God rules over even the difficult times in my life.
PRAYER FOCUS
Neonatal nurses
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The Upper Room 3rd August 2023 Devotional Message, 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.
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