The Upper Room Devotional 7 July 2022 | Putting God First

THE UPPER ROOM 7 JULY 2022 WEDNESDAY DEVOTIONAL

Today’s Topic: Putting God First
Chuck Hudspath (Illinois, USA)

TODAY’S READING
1 Peter 5:6-11

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you” (Ps. 55:22).

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. – Matthew 13:7 (NIV)

It had been a stressful workday, and I was very distracted on my way home. While I was waiting at a traffic light, a truck pulled up behind me and honked. I glanced in the rearview mirror but did not immediately recognize the vehicle. As I waited for the light to turn green, the truck honked several more times.

Once the light turned green and we began moving, the truck switched lanes and started to pass me. I looked over and saw the driver smiling and waving at me! He was someone I knew, and he was just honking to be friendly. I simply had not been paying attention.

During the rest of my drive home, I wondered how many times in my life I have not listened when God tried to get my attention. All too often I have allowed stress to distract me and block out God. My concerns are significant, but it is a problem when I allow my cares to be a higher priority than God. Peter tells us to “cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Rather than worrying, I can give my cares to God.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Merciful and loving God, help us to put the events of life in the proper perspective. You are first; everything else is second. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS
Workers who feel stressed