The Upper Room Devotional 20 July 2024: Navigating the Darkness

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Even in the darkest of times, I am never alone; God is with me.

The Upper Room Devotional 20 July 2024 Message:

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

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My friend Julia and I boarded the subway train in Mexico City, chatting about our day. We were on our way back to our apartment. The crowded train was racing along when suddenly there was a shuddering jolt and everything stopped. The earth was quaking and we were instantly plunged into the deepest darkness I have ever experienced.

The shaking stopped, but the lights remained off and the train was stuck between stations, many feet below ground. For about 10 seconds there was shocked silence, then people began crying out. I heard a woman scream. Panic rose in me until I felt Julia’s hand in mine. My friend reached out to me in the darkness, reminding me that I was not alone, and I felt comforted.

There have been times in life, like when my son died, that I felt I had been plunged into darkness. The way ahead seemed strange and unnavigable. During those times I felt the Lord take my hand and lead me through the “valley of the shadow.” We are never alone as Christians. The Lord has promised never to leave us or forsake us. God can be trusted to stand with us during the darkest time.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, help us to trust in your presence even if we don’t sense it. Show us others who need comfort and reassurance so that we may offer your love to them. Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS
A friend who comforts me