The Upper Room devotional reflection for Thursday, June 30, 2022 comes to us from Olivia Orr of Arkansas.
6 Each one helps the other, saying to one another, "Take courage!" 7 The artisan encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer encourages the one who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, "It is good"; and they fasten it with nails so that it cannot be moved. 8 But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; 9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off"; 10 do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:6-10 NIV
“Worth Sharing”
As a high school student, I am used to coming home and hearing the same question from my parents: “How was your day?” I usually respond with something superficial like “good” or “fine.” I tend to keep the details to myself because I feel like they’re not worth sharing. I often forget that my parents don’t ask because they want to hear an exciting story. Rather, they ask because they care about me.
I notice this tendency in my prayer life too. I often neglect to tell God how I’m doing because I feel that my struggles are insignificant compared to the hardships others are experiencing around the world. But when I do this, I ignore the fact that God wants a relationship with me. God wants to know what’s causing me pain or what’s weighing on my heart. God even wants to hear about my day. First Peter 5 encourages us to cast our anxieties on God because God loves us and wants to hear our personal thoughts and struggles. This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t pray for the world or other people. We are also called to love others and pray for them.
Friends –
It is important to remember that we can lift both the joys and concerns of our own lives, as well the circumstances of others in our world to God, trusting that God can embrace all of that with loving care and concern. When we intentionally share our own hearts and souls with God in prayer, we can let go of our own anxieties and share our celebrations. I invite you to remember to lift the joys and concerns that are on your heart today to God in prayer.
--Pastor bea
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for your never-ending love. Help us to trust that you want to hear our thoughts and concerns. Amen.
--Olivia Orr
Prayer Focus:
For courage to Pray for Myself.
Thought for the Day:
I will tell God about my day today.
Cast all your anxiety on [God], because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NRSV)