A Daily Devotion for Thursday, March 12
- ontrakk
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
Isaiah 30:19-22
People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Then you will desecrate your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, “Away with you! ”
Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.
These readings and the devotion from the Upper Room initially reminded me of how often I cry out to God to give me peace. But, as I sat with them for a minute, I realized there is another lesson there for me. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” How often do I fail to sit quietly with God and listen and wait for direction? Even the little calf in the story today knew to be still and listen after crying out to its mother. This is an important lesson for me.
Holy Lord, help me to remember to listen for you after my crying out. I do notice how I feel, but I am seldom still enough, long enough, to listen for actual direction. I am sorry, Lord. Help me to do better, and to listen. Amen
Becky, transforming
Isaiah 30:19-22 Proverbs 16:9
This reading reminded me of a funny time when I was playing golf with my husband. I had just hit what I thought was a really great shot, good distance, straight as an arrow and even cleared some trees. From my reaction and fist pump, it was obvious that I was very pleased with myself. As I was brushing the dirt off my driver, I heard my husband clear his throat and tell me in a calm and respectful way that I was aiming at the wrong green. He got out of the cart with a new tee and a new ball and pointed out the flag and direction that I should be aiming for. I…
Isaiah 30:19-22. Proverbs 16:9. A Calf's Cry
When we sing "Savior like a shepherd lead us" we are saying we know his voice and his words so we know where we should go. Like the calf and mother in today's devotion, sheep also know their master's voide. We will never be lost if we take the time to hear the Master's voice; whether it is when silence allows us, or we read and study his words. These are words we should follow like the sheep and the calf.
Prayer: Gracious God, I know I'm never alone. I know you are always near. You are my Shepherd. AMEN
Thursday, march 12, 2026
A calf’s cry
(Focus those waiting for an answer to prayer
Today’s Reading :Isaiah 30:19-22
Proverbs 16:9
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
It is comforting to know that a time of weeping—likely due to disobedience and subsequent hardships—will end and be replaced by God's mercy. While we have the freedom to make our plans, the Lord will direct our feet into the way that is best for us. Like the little lost calf he knew he was lost and stayed still and cried for his mother. His mother hearing his cries responded and they were united. How many times have I been lost, and called out to God…
Isaiah 30:19-22/Proverbs 16:9
I have occasionally found myself in the same place as the hapless calf in this morning’s Upper Room reflection. I am off doing my own thing, immersed in self and then realize I have separated myself from those who matter most. I have a choice at that moment. I can continue to try and muddle through alone or I can seek God’s guidance. Isaiah wrote, “How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.” That makes the choice obvious.
Prayer - Gracious and merciful God, please grant me the wisdom to seek your voice and guidance when I veer unknowingly or knowingly from Your plan for me.…