The Upper Room Devotional for 21st December 2022

Today's Topic: "The Power of Presence" by Kevin Thomas (Alabama, USA)

The Upper Room Devotional for 21st December 2022

Welcome!!! The word of God is food to the spirit man. As you read The Upper Room Devotional Today, may the word of the Lord powerfully impact on you.

The Upper Room Devotional For 21st December 2022

[Jesus] said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert.” – Mark 14:34 (CEB)

When I became a pastor at 22, I lived in fear of having to perform the sacred duty of saying final words at a graveside service. I didn’t know what I would say or do.

On my first day as a pastor, Hill, a 70-year-old seasoned church leader, told me, “You’re our pastor. Tell us what to do, and we’ll follow.” His trust gave me courage to lead. But after only two months, Hill’s wife, Alma, called to tell me that Hill had died. In the face of his loss, I felt unable to do anything useful for Alma or the church.

As funeral arrangements were made over the next two days, I said a few words and prayers. But mostly I just sat with Alma, held her hand, and shared her grief. Alma told me she couldn’t have gotten through it without me. It wasn’t eloquent words or grand gestures that made a difference; it was presence.

God came in the person of Jesus to be present with us. But we can get so busy trying to be useful that we forget to be present with God. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, let us not forget to spend sacred time sitting quietly and soaking in the presence of Emmanuel.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, in the hustle and bustle of our days, help us to be intentionally present so that we can connect with you and with those around us. Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS
Those who have lost a spouse