Daily Devotional
The Daily Devotional from The Upper Room in Nashville Tennessee United States for Friday 12 January 2018 - "An Awesome Responsibility" by Michael Slaton (Alabama) - Psalms 34:1-8
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This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. (Psalm 34:6 (NRSV))
In March 2003 I had a serious stroke. It was an especially difficult time because I am left-handed and was paralyzed on my left side for quite a while. I don’t believe the doctors expected me to recover, but God had another plan. I did recover, went back to college, and began a new career.
After my stroke I went through a time when I was obsessed with getting better and wanting to see my sons grow up. I began to feel sorry for myself. But I finally said, “Lord, only you can take away my fears. I will trust you.”
I look back on that experience often. I don’t take life for granted any longer. God loves all of us and wants what is best for us. Now I spend time with God in prayer many times each day. I am thankful for the privilege of prayer, but I also realize that prayer is an awesome responsibility. We all go through difficult situations in life, and some are worse than others. But how we deal with these situations is what is important. If we pray and pray expectantly, our difficulties can turn into blessings as well as great opportunities to encourage and bless others.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege and responsibility of prayer. May we use our difficulties as a way to encourage others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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TODAY'S READING: Psalms 34:1-8
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. (Psalm 34:6 (NRSV))
In March 2003 I had a serious stroke. It was an especially difficult time because I am left-handed and was paralyzed on my left side for quite a while. I don’t believe the doctors expected me to recover, but God had another plan. I did recover, went back to college, and began a new career.
After my stroke I went through a time when I was obsessed with getting better and wanting to see my sons grow up. I began to feel sorry for myself. But I finally said, “Lord, only you can take away my fears. I will trust you.”
I look back on that experience often. I don’t take life for granted any longer. God loves all of us and wants what is best for us. Now I spend time with God in prayer many times each day. I am thankful for the privilege of prayer, but I also realize that prayer is an awesome responsibility. We all go through difficult situations in life, and some are worse than others. But how we deal with these situations is what is important. If we pray and pray expectantly, our difficulties can turn into blessings as well as great opportunities to encourage and bless others.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege and responsibility of prayer. May we use our difficulties as a way to encourage others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
***
TODAY'S READING: Psalms 34:1-8
Psalm 34:1 (0) By David, when he pretended to be insane before Avimelekh, who then drove him away; so he left:
2 (1) I will bless Adonai at all times;
his praise will always be in my mouth.
3 (2) When I boast, it will be about Adonai;
the humble will hear of it and be glad.
4 (3) Proclaim with me the greatness of Adonai;
let us exalt his name together.
5 (4) I sought Adonai, and he answered me;
he rescued me from everything I feared.
6 (5) They looked to him and grew radiant;
their faces will never blush for shame.
7 (6) This poor man cried; Adonai heard
and saved him from all his troubles.
8 (7) The angel of Adonai, who encamps
around those who fear him, delivers them.
9 (8) Taste, and see that Adonai is good.
How blessed are those who take refuge in him!
2 (1) I will bless Adonai at all times;
his praise will always be in my mouth.
3 (2) When I boast, it will be about Adonai;
the humble will hear of it and be glad.
4 (3) Proclaim with me the greatness of Adonai;
let us exalt his name together.
5 (4) I sought Adonai, and he answered me;
he rescued me from everything I feared.
6 (5) They looked to him and grew radiant;
their faces will never blush for shame.
7 (6) This poor man cried; Adonai heard
and saved him from all his troubles.
8 (7) The angel of Adonai, who encamps
around those who fear him, delivers them.
9 (8) Taste, and see that Adonai is good.
How blessed are those who take refuge in him!
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Today, I am thankful for the privilege of prayer.
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PRAYER FOCUS:
Someone recovering from a stroke
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READ MORE:
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Today, I am thankful for the privilege of prayer.
***
PRAYER FOCUS:
Someone recovering from a stroke
***
READ MORE:
***
The Upper Room
1908 Grand Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
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