The Upper Room Devotion for Thursday, June 6, 2024, was written by Isabel Didriksen of Alberta, Canada.
Scripture
19 O how abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you, and accomplished for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of everyone! 20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots; you hold them safe under your shelter from contentious tongues. 21 Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as a city under siege. 22 I had said in my alarm, “I am driven far from your sight.” But you heard my supplications when I cried out to you for help. 23 Love the Lord, all you his saints. The Lord preserves the faithful, but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily. 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.
Psalm 31:19-24 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
After the death of my husband, I struggled to adjust to my new title of "widow." Who am I? Where will I go from here? How long will my grief last? Though my grief still comes on unexpectedly sometimes, I've found that Jesus is helping me through these dark times as I cling to God's word every day. Daily scripture reading before and after my husband's illness and passing has been my anchor; Jesus has not let me down.
The morning after my husband died, I tried to keep a semblance of my old routine; so I sat down to read my Bible. I read Psalm 31:24: "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord." I knew that God would give me courage for the day. Then two days later, I read Isaiah 26:7: "The way of the righteous is level; you [Lord] clear a path for the righteous" (CEB). This promise was just what I needed. I didn't know the road ahead of me, but God did. I pray that others who are experienceing grief will turn toward Jesus, our Comforter and Shepherd in every season of life.
Author's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for comforting us when we grieve. Help us to seek you through scripture and prayer each day. Amen.
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