More from Matthew B. Harper

Hello UR Family, may God bless you till your cup runneth over.

Well, the UR Staff asked if I’d like to blog about what has happened in my life since I wrote my devotional. I love the opportunity to witness to the faithfulness of our heavenly Father who loves me (and you) beyond measure. I love him; he has never let me down.

As for what has happened in my life, I have entered another very dark time—my marriage of forty years is ending. I can truly witness to the fact that a broken heart may just be the most painful hurt I have ever experienced. I am praying for God to save my marriage, but if it doesn’t happen I pray that I fully trust God with the rest of my life and that God will protect, bless, and keep all the members of my family.

I pray for peace and comfort for any and all who are suffering heartache, no matter the reason why.

I have said the prayer from my devotional, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,” hundreds of times during this dark time (a dark valley). Praying or saying Jesus’ name almost always instantly calms me and it always does eventually, praise the Lord. Evil can’t remain where Jesus is. I am also praying Dad’s favorite Bible favorite verse . . . a lot: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart.” I am going to start praying Mom’s verse again too, “ A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”  God knows my needs before I pray (see Rom. 8:26-27), but I tell him everything anyway. God loves me and wants me to talk to him about all my concerns. I have found that most importantly, God knows what is going on in my life before I ever pray; I am in God’s constant care. God is concerned for me and loves me and mine with all his heart. That is amazing to think, the Creator, Holy God, Jehovah Shammah loves us all—we are the highlight of God’s beautiful creation.

I have visited the Upper Room for many, many years. I try to read it daily. I love the testimonies and insights from other writers from all over the world. I find the devotionals written by our brothers and sisters who are incarcerated to be especially inspiring and humbling. The Upper Room authors and folks who write comments have truly helped me in my Christian walk.

I would ask you all to pray for me and my family, but I know you already are. I am praying for you and yours. I trust God, who is directing my footsteps.