The Upper Room Devotional 19 July 2024: Work and Rest
The Upper Room Devotional 19 July 2024: Work and Rest
Read and Study Today’s The Upper Room Daily Devotional for July 19th, 2024 Message. God bless you as you study today! Please share with your friends and loved ones.
TODAY’S READING
Nehemiah 8:8-12
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
We can’t provide joy for others if we have none to give.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
I grew up on a farm, where responsibility and hard work were high priorities. These values were so highly prized that I still struggle with taking time and resources to spend on recreation and relaxation.
After studying the Bible, I came to realize that God often instructed the people to take time from their work to celebrate and enjoy life. We need times like this to rejuvenate ourselves so we can continue with our life’s occupation and our work for the Lord. We read in Mark 6:31-32 that even Jesus took his disciples away from ministering to a large crowd so they could be physically replenished.
After a revival during Nehemiah’s days, God’s people were instructed to eat, drink, and celebrate. Then Nehemiah adds, “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Replenishing our bodies with rest and our souls with nourishment are spiritual disciplines that Christians need to follow so that we maintain the strength we need to follow God’s call on our lives.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord God, provide us with nourishment, rest, and recreation so we can have the resources to serve you and others joyfully. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those who need rest from their work
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