Up and to the Right

Weekend Series: Unshakeable Joy

DreamTeam Writer: Lauri White

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Mark 8

You’ve probably noticed life is hard. Even when things are up and to the right, we know that downturns are ahead!

In my seventh decade of life, I can be grateful that I have a family whom I love, a faithful husband who loves me, and beautiful kids, grandkids and great grandkids that I get to spend time with. I'm blessed to have two wonderful places to live and a church in each where I feel connected and cared for. These are all gifts from God.

And yet, I can still be grumpy and resentful. I hate that I see bitterness in the journaling I’ve done over the years. God has blessed me so much, but at times, I am ungrateful for it all!

Yet, as I read my favorite book of the Bible (Psalms), I’m thankful to see I am not alone.

Psalm 86 says:

A prayer of David.

1 Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;

    answer me, for I need your help.

2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.

    Save me, for I serve you and trust you.

    You are my God.

3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,

    for I am calling on you constantly.

4 Give me happiness, O Lord,

    for I give myself to you.

It is such a comfort to know that even King David, a man after God’s own heart, had to ask for mercy and intervention after making colossal mistakes (Read 2 Samuel 11-18 for the juicy details). I’m so grateful he wrote it all down, just like me, so I could be reminded of the hope and confidence David had in God. He knew that regardless of the things that turn out badly in our lives, God’s goodness and love are always ours.

Psalm 86:5 says:
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

In Matthew 6:20-21, Jesus also reminds us that the things we think will make us happy, apart from God, could all be lost. My family, husband, and houses could all be gone through circumstances over which I have no control. Only God has promised never to leave me nor forsake me. As grateful as I am for all the gifts he has blessed me with, this is the one I count on and cling to! You should too!

Questions:
Where do you turn when things that are supposed to make you happy don’t? Have you discovered that the next new shiny thing won’t make you happy for long?

Next Steps:
Think about Ben’s challenge: Stop expecting eternal satisfaction out of temporary things. Move away from unhelpful cravings. Find someone to be honest with. Be generous with all that God’s given you. Be thankful for what is good! Write that down!

Prayer: 21 Days of Prayer - Day 10
Gracious God, you are the source of all good things and the giver of every perfect gift. I pray for the marriages in our communities today, that they may be filled with your Spirit and your peace. Help spouses to love and respect each other with kindness and patience, and to build their relationship on you and your word. Teach them to seek you first in everything and to trust you with their challenges and decisions. May our marriages reflect your glory and grace. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 16:11
You will show me the way of life,

    granting me the joy of your presence

    and the pleasures of living with you forever.

This post was written by Lauri White, an Oregon attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.

Previous
/

Contact Us

Do you have questions, want to give feedback, or did this content particularly inspire / challenge / encourage you? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us at LIO@CedarCreek.tv.

Practice Your Daily Habits

The Daily is a space on the CedarCreek App where you can pause for gratitude, pray for others, submit your own prayer requests, read the LivingItOut devotional, and journal your thoughts as you reflect on scripture. Get the App and get started today!

Join the LivingItOut Team

We are always looking for people who are passionate about writing and proofing to serve on the LivingItOut team. If you are interested, email LIO@CedarCreek.tv today!