The Upper Room Devotion for Wednesday July 10th, 2024 was written by Becky Ritchey of Kansas, USA
Scripture
17O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
18So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might
to all the generations to come.
Your power 19and your righteousness, O God,
reach the high heavens.
You who have done great things,
O God, who is like you?
20You who have made me see many troubles and calamities
will revive me again;
from the depths of the earth
you will bring me up again.
21You will increase my honor,
and comfort me once again.
Psalm 71:17-21 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
One morning I woke up with a stiff neck and a throbbing headache. I have arthiritis in my neck from a past injury that causes occasional headaches, but this one was worse than usual. With my husband away on business and no family living close by, I felt weak and vulnerable. I texted a prayer request to the women in my weekly Bible study. They soon texted back their prayers. One woman, Sarah, called to pary with me over the phone.
One of Sarah's prayers particularly grabbed my attention: "God we thank you for the body parts that are working well." Hearing her words, I realized how often my conversations with friends are dominated by complaints over our aches and ailments. At 68, I sometimes feel like everyrthing in my body is wearing out. I'm ashamed to confess that it hadn't occurred to me to thank God for the parts that are still working.
When our call ended, I took time to thank God for eyes that can still see sunsets and red roses; for ears that can still hear symphonies and my dog's delighted squeals; for a mouth that can still taste strawberries and chocolate and fried chicken. Soon, joy replaced my distress as I remembered God's promise to care for me even as I grow old.
Thought for the Day
I can count on God's promises always
Author's Prayer
Father God, thank you for our wonderful bodies. Thank you for promising to care for us all our days, even as our bodies are aging. Amen.
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