Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 3, 2024
2 Kings 19:1-6, 14-19
1 When King Hezekiah heard this, he ripped his clothes, covered himself with mourning clothes, and went to the LORD’s temple. 2 He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests to the prophet Isaiah, Amoz’s son. They were all wearing mourning clothes. 3 They said to him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, punishment, and humiliation. It’s as if children are ready to be born, but there’s no strength to see it through. 4 Perhaps the LORD your God has heard all the words of the field commander who was sent by his master, Assyria’s king—how he insulted the living God—perhaps God will punish him for the words the LORD your God heard. Send up a prayer for those few people who still survive.” 5 When King Hezekiah’s servants got to Isaiah, 6 Isaiah said to them, “Say this to your master: ‘This is what the LORD says: Don’t be afraid at the words you heard, which the officers of Assyria’s king have used to insult me. . . 14 Hezekiah took the letters from the messengers and read them. Then he went to the temple and spread them out before the LORD. 15 Hezekiah prayed to the LORD, saying, “LORD God of Israel, you sit enthroned on the winged creatures. You alone are God over all the earth’s kingdoms. You made both heaven and earth. 16 LORD, turn your ear this way and hear! LORD, open your eyes and see! Listen to Sennacherib’s words. He sent them to insult the living God! 17 It’s true, LORD, that the Assyrian kings have destroyed many nations and their lands. 18 The Assyrians burned the gods of those nations with fire because they aren’t real gods. They are only man-made creations of wood and stone. That’s how the Assyrians could destroy them. 19 So now, LORD our God, please save us from Sennacherib’s power! Then all the earth’s kingdoms will know that you, LORD, are the only true God.”
Good Morning! Trust in the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and strength!
Today is a day of distress, punishment, and humiliation. It’s as if children are ready to be born, but there’s no strength to see it through.
We are God’s children, but our bodies and minds are weak, and we lack the drive to continue when we lose hope. Without the power of God that is within us, we could not persevere against the daunting obstacles we face.
We don’t like to take the risks necessary to walk like Christ because we try to avoid distress, punishment, and humiliation. Who in their right mind puts themselves in such a situation? Christ did all of these and more. He relied upon God's grace to see him through. O God, not my will, but thine!
On our darkest days, we must place trust in God and continue stepping toward our destination.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We lack the ability to survive without Your love and mercy. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God is always faithful!
Trust God! Pastor Liz