The Upper Room Devotion for Thursday, July 27, 2023, was written by Patricia Pace of Georgia.
Scripture
1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalms 100:1-5 NRSV
CLOSE TO GOD
For a couple of years now, our seven-year-old grandson has come to spend a week of his summer vacation with us. We are excited when he comes to visit because we get to have some quality, one-on-one time with him. We get to know him on a more personal level than we would when all of our eight grandchildren gather around us. During his last stay, we learned many new things about him: He loves grits with cheese; he doesn't like butter on his waffle, only syrup; he eats his dessert first; he has lost interest in dinosaurs and monster trucks and is now into baseball; he doesn't say his prayers aloud, but he says them in his head.
What new things could we discover about God if we took the time each day to focus solely on God? What kind of meaningful relationship could we develop if we gave God quality time? We might actually get to know God instead of just knowing about God. God loves us and wants a personal relationship with each of us. Time spent in talking and listening to God, as well as reading and studying scripture, draws us closer every day.
Thought for the Day
How much quality time do I give God every day?
Prayer
Dear God, we hunger to know you. Thank you for the opportunities you provide us each day to be close to you. Amen.
- Patricia Pace