The Upper Room Daily Devotional July 26, 2023
The Upper Room July 26, 2023 Daily Devotional, Wednesday Message by Lea Anne Foster (Virginia, USA)
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TOPIC: In the Eye of the Storm
TODAY’S READING
Exodus 19:16-25
On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. – Exodus 19:16 (NIV)
My brother died on a June afternoon. That evening as a major storm rolled in, I felt drawn outside. Wind whipped at my tear-streaked cheeks and blew my hair in every direction. Shades of gray, blue, and orange streaked the sky. I looked heavenward and saw a flash of lightning and heard the powerful thunder. I stood outside until pelting rain drove me back inside. I was filled with unbearable grief. I wanted and needed my brother. But I knew that through this awe-inspiring display, God was saying, “Your brother, whom I love, is here with me.”
In the months following my brother’s death, I’ve read my Bible and prayed. God directed me to Exodus 19, where the Lord met Moses on Mount Sinai. The scripture took on a new meaning for me as I read of thunder, lightning, thick clouds, and the quaking mountain announcing God’s presence. I was reminded of the display I witnessed the day my brother died. God called to me through nature, and I was in God’s presence during the storm. God grieved with me, and offered comfort and love for the journey ahead. And God has stayed with me since.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, help us notice the signs that you are here with us during all the storms of life. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I will look for God’s presence all around me today.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those grieving the death of a sibling
The Upper Room July 26, 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.
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY