The Upper Room Devotional for 19th August 2023
The Upper Room Devotional for 19th August 2023, Saturday Message by Elizabeth Erlandson (Nebraska, USA)
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TOPIC: One Piece at a Time
TODAY’S READING
Luke 12:22-34
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
My husband and I have been working on a jigsaw puzzle. At first it was fun, but the enjoyment wore off when we got to a part of the puzzle where all the pieces were shades of green. Needing help, I joined an online puzzle group and asked for suggestions. The most helpful advice was: “One piece at a time.” I’ve taken this advice to heart. With patience and persistence, we will complete the puzzle one piece at a time.
This got me thinking about how God gives us one day at a time. No matter how much we plan for or fret about the future, we only have what God has given us today. In today’s reading, Jesus reminds us that being anxious over the future does us no good. We can’t add a single hour to our life.
We worry about finances, health, loved ones, and relationships. But regardless of what may be disturbing us, it is important to focus on God’s loving and almighty power. We can rest in God and fix our eyes on the One who made the world. God has a grand design for creation, and God knows exactly where you and I fit in.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help us to trust you even when we can’t understand how our circumstances fit into your bigger picture. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Instead of worrying about my future, I will focus on God.
PRAYER FOCUS
People who struggle with anxiety
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The Upper Room Devotional for 19th August 2023 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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