The Upper Room Devotional for 29th September 2023
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.
TODAY’S TOPIC: COMFORT IN SCRIPTURE
Dale Middleton (Texas, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 145:13-21
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I can depend on Jesus.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. – Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
Years ago, I wore a shirt with the inscription “I depend on Jesus.” But it was not until after I was diagnosed with cancer that I began to understand how important depending on Jesus is. Shortly after being diagnosed, I started a series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments, followed by surgery. After the cancer was removed, my condition went from life-threatening to lifestyle-changing. The surgery and treatments caused side effects which I have to live with every day.
I have come to realize just how important memorizing scripture can be. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, for example, Paul refers to a thorn in his flesh, but he adds that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. We will have troubled times, but Matthew 28:20 assures us that Jesus will be with us to the end of the age. The Bible contains thousands of God’s promises and God is faithful to them all (see Ps. 145:13). What a comforting thought! We serve a mighty God. Now I live each day confident that nothing can separate me from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ (see Rom. 8:38).
TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank you, loving God, for staying with us when life gets tough and for your promise of an everlasting life. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS
People undergoing cancer treatment