Devotionals for February 16, 2024
See you at church on Sunday at 9:00am & 10:45am!
READ
Psalms 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
REFLECT
One of the most well-known and beloved Psalms, this honest and hopeful poem is so personal for David. He used imagery of shepherding, something he was really familiar with. Elsewhere, David shared how he had to defend his flock from wild animals, putting his own life on the line for his sheep. What a beautiful picture of God’s faithfulness! Later, the apostle John relayed Jesus’s words: “I am the Good Shepherd.” Whether you’re in the darkest of valleys or in green pastures, your Shepherd is there, defending you. Discipling you. Guiding you. It’s not always fun or comfortable, but He provides for you in the mundane and the miraculous.
APPLY
Q: What is the writer’s hope in Psalm 23 that keeps them going?
Q: How can you increase your hope in the Good Shepherd, Jesus?
Q: When others look at your life, who or what do they see you trusting in the most? Prayerfully reflect and ask God for guidance on how to trust Him more today.
Q: How can you increase your hope in the Good Shepherd, Jesus?
Q: When others look at your life, who or what do they see you trusting in the most? Prayerfully reflect and ask God for guidance on how to trust Him more today.
SING
PRAY
"And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
Lord, it’s too easy to forget you in the mundane of daily life. But you are so good! Lord Jesus, you are my Good Shepherd, my provider. Lead me and rescue me as one of your sheep. I need you every step of the way. Amen.
Lord, it’s too easy to forget you in the mundane of daily life. But you are so good! Lord Jesus, you are my Good Shepherd, my provider. Lead me and rescue me as one of your sheep. I need you every step of the way. Amen.