The Upper Room devotional reflection for Saturday, October 8, 2022, comes to us from Georgina Domene of La Rioja, Argentina.
12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, 15 showing that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Psalm 92:12-15NRSV
GROW AND PROSPER
One day our women’s group planted seeds in several flower boxes. I was in charge of one flower box. We agreed that once the plants were about 2 inches tall, we would replant them in a garden. But while I was carrying the flower box home, the potting soil shifted, displacing some of the seeds from the original rows. I was certain this project would fail. However, after server days of extra special care my little plants were growing. They even seemed to be growing better than some of the other boxes.
Life can sometimes jostle us about, causing disorientation and placing us in situations that make us vulnerable. But we can take heart in the words of scripture: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV). With God by our side, we can flourish and face life’s challenges.
-Friends,
Georgina’s reflection offers us a much-needed reminder: “With God by our side, we can flourish and face life’s challenges.” As people of faith, we have not been promised a problem free life. At times, it appears, we have more problems than others who do not follow Christ. Yet, our faith in God, through Christ, affords us the ability to look upon our problems with courage and assurance, knowing that we will not face a problem that God cannot help us overcome. Our faith allows us to be at peace, amidst the storms of life, for we know the one who quiets wind and waves is in the boat with us.
--Pastor Anthony
Prayer:
Almighty God, thank you for the special care you give us. Keep us rooted in the soil of your love so we can grow and prosper. Amen
--Georgina Domene
Prayer Focus:
Gardeners
Thought for the day:
Whether at my best or most vulnerable, God is always with me.