Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional “Let It Go!” for Wednesday, 3 December 2014 - Scripture: Psalm 138:1-8

Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional “Let It Go!” for Wednesday, 3 December 2014 - Scripture: Psalm 138: A David Psalm
1-3 Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”
    Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
    and say it again: “Thank you!”
Thank you for your love,
    thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
    most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
    you made my life large with strength.
4-6 When they hear what you have to say, God,
    all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”
They’ll sing of what you’ve done:
    “How great the glory of God!”
And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below;
    no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.
7-8 When I walk into the thick of trouble,
    keep me alive in the angry turmoil.
With one hand
    strike my foes,
With your other hand
    save me.
Finish what you started in me, God.
    Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.[Lamentations 3:22-23 (NRSV)]
Whatever I do, I try to do as unto the Lord. Other people say I am a perfectionist, but my results are not perfect — not at all! When the day comes to an end, I often feel frustrated or discouraged. I may feel so miserable and inadequate in my efforts to keep up with daily demands and challenges that I cry out to God. Then I let my imperfections go, and God gives me a sense of peace. How differently I perceive life when a new day comes and I open my heart before the Lord with thanksgiving and praise! Then I see God’s faithfulness everywhere.
Jeremiah also lamented tragedies and trials in his life and in the life of God’s people. Nonetheless, he said, “This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lam. 3:21-23).
Each day, we remember that our perfection does not make life wonderful and our circumstances do not make life pleasant. But God’s grace and mercy penetrate every aspect of our lives to make our days worth living.
The Author: Yulia Bagwell (Pennsylvania, USA)
Thought for the Day: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Col. 3:23, NIV).
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your love and mercy that sustain us from day to day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: Perfectionists
____________________________