Each Wednesday, a devotion is posted here, sent via email to our email list and also posted on our Facebook page. If you would like to be part of our email list please contact the church office. In addition, check out past Devotions on our Facebook page.
I often receive feedback that the devotions are rich in content and are complex. Reading devotions whether short and concise or longer and complicated should never be read once quickly. All types of devotions should be read multiple times using contemplation, reflection and pausing. In those spaces of contemplation and reflection we experience the Holy Spirit interacting with us. Sometimes, individuals will reach out and provide their thoughts and reflections on their devotion. My intent has always been to create a dialogue. So read these in the way that best works for you to experience the Holy Spirit and create a dialogue with others in our community.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Hi St. Andrew’s UMC Community …
Today ends our year. And I wonder, in 2025 was your focus on what was certain or uncertain? Virgina Satir said this: “People prefer the certainty of misery to the misery of uncertainty.” Regardless of whether 2025 was certain or uncertain, God never left your side. Regardless of your experience of God, God was there. The devotion for today is how God lifts us up!
God Lifts You Up!
Psalm 91
The end of the year brings both a review of the past year and anticipation and hope for the new year. When you consider 2025, what were the best moments? Why where they the best? What were the most challenging to navigate? Why? As you anticipate 2026, what hopes do you have?
Psalm 91 begins with the concept that whoever chooses and lives with God, will rest in God. Regardless of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, have you fully chosen and embraced living with God? When living with God is fully embraced and chosen, resting in God is present in the good and bad. Resting in God becomes a way of life.
The song "On Eagles Wings" is inspired by Psalm 91. The chorus is:
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
Being held in God’s palm is a rest that only can be found with God and not this world. Do you rest in God’s palm no matter what challenges you are facing? May 2025 end knowing God raised you up and held you in His palm and will continue to do so in 2026!
Dear God, Thank You for always being my support in all of my life. Thank You for offering me rest that only You can offer as I manage the challenges of life. Amen.
(Image from: https://www.lovethispic.com/image/34869/god-will-lift-you-up)
by Rev David Piltz
