The Upper Room Daily Devotional July 2, 2023
The Upper Room July 2, 2023 Daily Devotional, Sunday Message by A. B. Barber (Ohio, USA)
TOPIC: Seeking God
TODAY’S READING
Jeremiah 29:10-14
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Today I will seek God with all my heart.
KEY VERSE: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NIV)
MESSAGE: It was one of the most precious gifts my husband ever gave me. The 18 fuzzy, day-old chicks toddled to and fro exploring their new home. They sipped water, nibbled feed, and snuggled together under the heat lamp. Caring for chicks was a new experience for me. I checked on them throughout the day.
Each time I came near, one chick would race over to me and then jump up and down. I wasn’t sure what she was doing, but one day I decided to pick her up. She calmed down and sat quietly in my hands. It delighted my heart that she wanted me more than the things I had provided. While the other chicks wobbled to the food, water, and warmth, she wobbled to me. She grew into a fine hen, beautiful and gentle, and she continued to search for me in the farmyard. She would tap my boot with her beak, and I would bend down to see her with great delight.
God used that little chick to show me the wonder of drawing near. Just as she would seek me and find me, we are assured that we can seek and find God. God sees us wobbling and flapping. God feels us tapping and jumping for attention. When we seek God with all our hearts, God lovingly bends down and, with great delight, draws us close.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for using your creation to give us glimpses of yourself. Help us seek you with all our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS
Farmers
The Upper Room July 2, 2023 Devotional Message, 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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