Thursday Devotion

All that I Need

By Deborah Schoenfelder

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;     in the morning I lay my requests before you     and wait expectantly.” –Psalm 5:3

I had gone to visit my 93 year-old mother in a southwest Iowa nursing home. She was not feeling well while I was there, spending a great deal of time in bed. So I occupied her recliner, reading and doing some writing. Then it was time for me to head home to Iowa City. We said our goodbyes and I love you’s, Mom seeming so frail and vulnerable. With a heavy heart, I climbed into my car to make the familiar five-hour drive. Seatbelt, check; gas tank full, check; cell phone within reach, check. I then turned on the air conditioner to ward off the summer heat, and I turned on the radio to keep me company, pointing the car toward home.

I couldn’t have driven more than two or three blocks when the radio disc jockey read Psalm 5, verse 3: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” I couldn’t believe it. How did he know I needed THAT verse RIGHT then? Well, of course, he didn’t. But it was just what I needed. Slowly but surely my heart lightened as I listened, an important part of prayer. My thoughts and feelings were transformed from sadness to “the staff caring for Mom really do care about her”, “despite her illness, we had quality time together”, and other such affirmations that bathed my heart in a balm that only scripture and faith can deliver.

Ask most anyone and you’re apt to find out that they have experienced times when just the right scripture or just the right sermon spoke to them in a time of need. Then there are all of those other times when a Bible verse or Sunday message isn’t at the ready for us. That’s when it’s up to us to open a Bible, a devotional, or other spiritual resources such as an online search to find the comfort we need. Music is another source that I find helpful in tough times and moments. The hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” was written in 1923 and offers these uplifting words in the last verse and refrain:

“Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”

So when I’m feeling sad or excited or anxious or disappointed or any other emotion, I should remember that all I need is to turn my heart and attention toward the many spiritual tools available. Doing that reminds me I am not alone and I start to feel at peace. What a blessing!

Prayer: Loving God, life isn’t easy. But your promise to be with us each and every step of the way is a gift almost beyond comprehension. I will keep reminding myself that you are by my side to help me through good times and bad. Good news indeed! AMEN.