The Upper Room Daily Devotional 24th April 2023
The Upper Room 24th April 2023 Daily Devotional, Monday Message by Betty White Coleman (Mississippi, USA)
TOPIC: Stormy Weather
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 147:7-18
KEY VERSE: [God] covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. – Psalm 147:8 (NIV)
As I watched the local news channel on the official start date of hurricane season, the weather forecaster gave advice about what to do and not do during a hurricane. Just hearing the number of hurricanes predicted for the year caused me to pause and pray. Stormy weather frightens me. When I hear forecasts for damaging winds, rain, tornadoes, hurricanes, or other inclement weather, I start praying — asking God to protect me, my family, my city, and my state.
But storms don’t come every day. Some days God gives us gentle rains, bright sunshine, or a blanket of beautiful snow. Without these changes we could not enjoy seasonal flowers, lush grass, or beautiful forests. Such weather also blesses the farmland that provides us with food and material for clothing. Rain fills the ponds, lakes, and rivers, and snow covers the slopes so we can enjoy many outdoor activities. I thank God for the natural beauty of the land and for the provision of food, clothing, and recreation.
As today’s scripture reading reminds us, God delights in those who hope in God’s unfailing love. Whatever the forecast may be, we can trust our Creator, and this trust can bring us into a closer relationship with God.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, help us to trust in you. Whatever the weather, we know your purpose is for our good and for your glory. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Whatever the forecast, I can trust in God’s care.
PRAYER FOCUS
Communities in the path of hurricanes
The Upper Room 24th April 2023, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More
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