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Listening is the Heart of Our Ministry
Listening is the heart of our ministry here at The Upper Room. In July, I traveled Read More
Anne Broyles | Read Psalm 4:8
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Sign Up TodayPeople lose jobs, accidents happen, loved ones die. The wicked seem to prosper, and sometimes life is downright scary. Many psalms give the psalmist voice as he tells God his problems.
When I call, give me answers. God, take my side!
Once, in a tight place, you gave me room;...
What have been the hardest obstacles you have faced in your life? Give thanks for how God worked and is working in your life, on good days and bad.
A repeating theme in scripture is our failure to recognize God’s work among us. In Acts, Peter declares that the death of Jesus happened because his fellow Israelites acted in ignorance. The psalmist decries the fact that so many people follow lies, yet God’s blessings for the faithful continue unhindered. John tells his audience to expect that the world will not recognize them as God’s children because the world did not recognize God to begin with. In Luke, Jesus appears to his doubting disciples. He proves the reality of his resurrection by allowing them to touch his body and by eating food in their presence. Only then do they feel certain that they recognize him. In what places in our lives do we not recognize God’s work?
• Read Acts 3:12-19. When have you initially bristled at someone’s remarks only to discover some truth about yourself as you reflected on your strong reaction? What did you learn about yourself?
• Read Psalm 4. How do you daily reinforce the idea that you are “more” rather than “less”?
• Read 1 John 3:1-7. When have you been an “upstander” for love on behalf of another? In what ways did that empower you to take more initiative to love?
• Read Luke 24:36b-48. To what do you look as a revelation of Christ’s presence?
Respond by posting a prayer.
"Often we pray expecting God to take away our problems. Prayer usually doesn't change our circumstances, but it can change our reaction to them. If we can relinquish control and give everything to God, we may find greater clarity. Whatever we are going through, God is with us. And God is bigger than any problem we might face."
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