TOPIC: By God’s Grace
TODAY’S READING
1 John 4:7-12
Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25 (NIV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional – 3 December 2022 MESSAGE
Several years ago, I had an eating disorder that threatened to destroy everything I held dear. During my darkest days, I became a shadow of my former self. I lied to my parents, isolated myself from my friends, and communicated only in cascading tears or hostile outbursts. I abandoned the Lord. However, the Lord never abandoned me.
I eventually entered a residential treatment center. One night, God led me to today’s quoted scripture verse, telling me not to worry about food, as the eating disorder made me so inclined to do, or about my body, against which I harbored such hatred. The words God spoke to me that night meant something very different to me than they meant to the crowds Jesus first delivered them to. And yet mercifully, God led me to them at the very moment I needed them most.
God gave me courage to pursue recovery and was with me every step of the way.
Today, by the grace of God and the support of my family, I am free from my eating disorder. But when temptation returns, I think of that night when God provided what I needed most: God’s unconditional love.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for leading us to your word and speaking to us through it. Help us not to worry but to trust in your love. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God always provides what I need most: unconditional love.
PRAYER FOCUS
Residential treatment centers
Thank you for reading December 3, 2022 – The Upper Room Daily Devotional for Saturday. Encourage someone today by sharing this Gospel.
