The Upper Room Devotion for Wednesday, April 17, 2024, was written by April McIntyre of England, United Kingdom.
Scripture
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. 6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Psalm 46:1-11 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
My Husband, Mike, and I were visiting a nearby town for our routine eye examinations. As we looked at the array of new frames, Mike suddenly fainted, hitting his head on the floor. Although he came around fairly quckly, he was clearly shaken and had a huge bump on his head. We called an ambulance and made our way to the hospital.
As we waited in a crowded corridor, I found myself wondering where God was. Why had this happened? What damage had been done? If only I could feel God's peace instead of feeling stressed. Then something came to mind from the devotional I had read that morning. To be honest, I couldn't remember many details; but I knew it was something about anchors: how St. Paul was tossed around in a ship at sea and how God holds us secure in the storms of life. How appropriate!
I felt that God was saying to me, "I am holding you. You are anchored." I kept repeating this to myself through the time of anxious waiting at the hopital. I didn't feel a warm flow of peace, but I knew that we were in God's hands. We were anchored. Mike was and is okay. I give thanks for God's faithfulness and for God's word that still speaks to us today.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
The scripture reading for today has many powerful reminders and affirmation, but the first part of verse ten is most quoted: “Be still, and know that I am God!” This scripture invites us to take time to be still, amidst our hurriedness and worries, that we might acknowledge God’s presence. I invite you to reread April’s reflection and then take a few moments, throughout the day, to be still.
Author's Prayer
Thank you, faithful God, that when the storms of life shake our security, you hold us and never let us go. Amen.
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