April 22, 2015: Psalm 23

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.
¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 
²   He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; 
³   he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
   for his name’s sake.⁴

 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
   I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
   your rod and your staff—
   they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows. 
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
   my whole life long.

Reflection:

            This psalm is the most widely known, and perhaps the most recognizable chapter in the whole bible to many people. Sometimes we hear it so often, and feel as though we know it so well, that it loses its’ power. We experience the comfort of being led by the “Good Shepherd”, the thanksgiving and relief for having God by our side when we encounter difficulty, darkness, and death, and feel blessed when we share a table with the Lord, all ending with a sense of peace of staying in God’s house. We explore a variety of different emotions, stages of life, and several ways God is in relationship with us throughout our life. Each time we read it, we will often have a verse jump out to us than it had before.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: What is your experience with this psalm?

Noon: After reading this passage, what jumped out to you today?

Evening : How is God being a Good Shepherd to you in your life?

Prayer: Good Shepherd, help us to not be stubborn sheep. Help us to not walk away from you, but allow you to guide and protect us. When we rely on you God, it makes a difference. May we savor the experiences we share with you, and cherish your love forever and ever. Amen.