The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Saturdsy, 7 July 2018 "God, Our Strength" by Ashok S. Rathod (Gujarat, India) Psalm 18:1-6

(Image: Pixabay)

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Saturdsy, 7 July 2018 "God, Our Strength" by Ashok S. Rathod (Gujarat, India) Psalm 18:1-6 
[Jesus] said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40 (NIV))
One day as I was traveling toward my native village, I was unable to see our small mountain Pawagadh due to the heavy fog. But I knew it was still there. In the same way, when we are in difficult situations and unable to see God’s presence, God is still there, close to us.
When the doctor diagnosed my wife with cancer and said that she would live only one or two more months, I was fearful at the thought of an uncertain future. However, this struggle and difficult situation brought me into a more intimate relationship with God.
Now when I look back on this experience, I see that even though my wife, Saroj, has gone to be with the Lord, God was always with me during that time. God strengthened me and blessed my marriage and family life. We can always call upon God’s name, because God is always with us.
TODAY'S PRAYER: Dear Lord, in all the difficult situations we experience in our lives, help us to firmly trust in you. Amen.
TODAY'S READING: Psalm 18:1 (0) For the leader. By David the servant of Adonai, who addressed the words of this song to Adonai on the day when Adonai delivered him from the power of all his enemies, including from the power of Sha’ul. 2 He said:
(1) “I love you, Adonai, my strength!
3 (2) “Adonai is my Rock, my fortress and deliverer,
my God, my Rock, in whom I find shelter,
my shield, the power that saves me,
my stronghold.
4 (3) I call on Adonai, who is worthy of praise;
and I am saved from my enemies.
5 (4) “For the cords of death surrounded me,
the floods of B’liya‘al terrified me,
6 (5) the ropes of Sh’ol were wrapped around me,
the snares of death lay there before me.
7 (6) In my distress I called to Adonai;
I cried out to my God.
Out of his temple he heard my voice;
my cry reached his ears. (Complete Jewish Bible).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: In the storms of life, God is always present.
PRAYER FOCUS: Cancer patients and their caregivers
***