The Upper Room Devotion for Tuesday January 9, 2024, was written by Nelly R. Reina of CÓrdoba, Argentina.
Scripture
1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” 3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight. 4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips. 5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. 7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. 10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. 11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:1-11 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
I remember one time when my children were young, we walked a maze. we followed the walled path; but when we neared what we thought was the exit, there was another wall, we had to back up and look for another way out. It was a bit difficult to reach the end, but with perseverance we reached the goal.
Life is like a maze. Many times, we ask God why certain things happen to us. We try to grasp difficult situations but are unable to understand them. We hurry here and there looking for the right path. Obstacles stop us in our tracks, and we don't understand why we must backtrack or even face those obstacles in the first place. It becomes crucial to allow God to guide us through the twisting and turning passageways of life so that we can find the path that will lead to the fullness of joy that only God can offer.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
Over the past 5 months, we have had to navigate the construction on eastbound I-696. Sometimes entrance ramps that were once opened were suddenly closed and exits we once counted on were blocked. As people of faith, we also face various spiritual obstacles in our quest to mature. None of us like dealing with detours and obstacles along our path. Nelly's reflection reminds us to lean on God to guide and direct our paths, trusting that God knows the best ways to overcome all our obstacles. Today, take a moment to quiet your mind and heart, that you might hear God's voice of direction.
Author's Prayer
Almighty God, show us the path that leads to the fullness of joy in you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Comments