TOPIC: Renew Our Strength
TODAY’S READING
1 Samuel 30:1-6
David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. – 1 Samuel 30:6 (NRSV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 31st December 2022 MESSAGE
In January 2020, our city faced the biggest flood in its history. A newly renovated church in the community had just invested in quality equipment and furniture, but floodwaters hit the facilities and caused many material losses. I had been a pastor in the community for 12 years, and my heart ached when I witnessed the chaotic aftermath.
In moments like this, we become plagued by frustration, anguish, and discouragement. But the word of God meets us in adversity and strengthens us. In 1 Samuel 30, we read about David’s intense reaction to Ziklag’s destruction. He wept and grieved but did not allow his anguish to overwhelm him. David’s faith in God revived his strength. He sought God’s guidance and in due course retrieved everything that had been taken. This testimony inspired me and the members of the church, reviving our strength so we could move forward and start over.
We all live through difficult moments, and in such times dejection often tries to settle in our hearts. But like David, we can revive our strength in God. Let us always pray and carry on, for in God’s timing we will surely find renewal.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, in the face of adversity, we place our hope in you. Revive us in the name of Jesus. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I will face adversity with faith and perseverance, trusting that God will help me through.
PRAYER FOCUS
Communities recovering from floods
READ: Streams of Joy Devotional 31st December 2022 – Another Way
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Salvation Prayer
Have you ever made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life?
If not, pray this prayer and start a new life in Christ.
Dear God, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I admit that I am not right with You, and I want to be right with You. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. The Bible says if I confess with my mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved (Rom. 10:9). I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer for the first time, we would like to know. Click here to send us an e-mail or share your testimony.