The Upper Room Devotional 4 June 2026, Thursday Message
In the Arms of Love
Emily Acker (Wisconsin, USA)
Today’s Reading
Isaiah 46:3-5
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
I wanted to hold my youngest nephew for as long as he was content. He was heavy in my arms, but I wasn’t going to put him down or pass him off to someone else at the family gathering. Later on, I carried my other young nephew and let him help me hand out gifts. As he leaned forward with each gift he gave, I could barely keep my hold on him — but I held on.
My arms were sore the day after that family event, but my heart was happy. My love for my nephews made my tired muscles worth it.
God offers to hold us through all that life brings our way, and God is strong enough to take on anything that we face. Just as we want to be close to those we love, God wants to be close to us. Out of great love for us God carries us, regardless of the weight of our burdens.
Thought for the Day
No matter what I face, God is there to hold me.
Prayer Focus
Aunts and uncles
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, help us to see how much you love us and how you want to be close to us. We pray as Jesus taught us, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matt. 6:9-13, KJV).
The Upper Room Devotional 4 June 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