Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 17, 2024
Psalm 46:1-11
1 God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble. 2 That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea, 3 when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams gladden God’s city, the holiest dwelling of the Most High. 5 God is in that city. It will never crumble. God will help it when morning dawns. 6 Nations roar; kingdoms crumble. God utters his voice; the earth melts. 7 The LORD of heavenly forces is with us! The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah 8 Come, see the LORD’s deeds, what devastation he has imposed on the earth 9 bringing wars to an end in every corner of the world, breaking the bow and shattering the spear, burning chariots with fire. 10 “That’s enough! Now know that I am God! I am exalted among all nations; I am exalted throughout the world!” 11 The LORD of heavenly forces is with us! The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah
Good Morning! Take comfort, God is with us!
My family celebrated the life of my Uncle John this past weekend. As we gathered and shared stories and memories, we laughed and cried, we were noisy and quiet, and we were strengthened by gathering together as a family.
As Christians, these gatherings, despite the grief for our loss, are celebrations. We know that our loved ones have begun their new life with God. When it seems that all is lost when it seems that the ground is crumbling below us, God is there to lift us up out of the muck and mire of our grief.
For non-believers, death is the end. There is nothing else. I often ask myself how does someone deal with that kind of grief. In that situation, life is finite. You are born and then you die. When you say goodbye, it is forever.
Jesus died so that our lives are infinite. By giving our lives to Christ, we are comforted in knowing that we will be joined together again when we transition from our earthly life to our heavenly life. Death isn’t goodbye. Instead, we say see you later! Praise be to God.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. Thank you for the peace of knowing that our loved ones are in your presence when they breathe their last earthly breath. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: We are anchored in God’s love.
Sing and shout the victory of eternal life. Pastor Liz