Psalm 23 A psalm of David.
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 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 my life, and
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Wednesday Devotional
Every day I wake up and say to myself, “Is this for real? Is this really happening?” I don’t plan to say it. It’s just what pops into my head.
Many times, through the years, I’ve wondered how I would make out if life as we know it drastically changed for some reason. If for whatever reason, we didn’t have all the things we have; if we didn’t have the things we think of as needs, the things that, in reality, are truly luxuries.
Now, living through this COVID-19 pandemic, we are all experiencing such a drastic change first-hand. And I’ll be the first to admit that this is challenging. Loneliness, frustration, and hoping we have enough, are daily concerns now for many people. We all know this is temporary, and yet we still wonder, “But how long?”
Yesterday, I walked over to the church to get something and for some reason, the stained-glass window that depicts Jesus as our Good Shepherd caught my eye. It reminded me of something my mother said about 20 years ago, right before she went in for minor surgery. I asked her if she was frightened. She said, “No, because I’ve realized in life that sometimes it comes down to just you and the Lord. And I trust Him with my life.”
I didn’t really understand what she meant back then. But I understood it when I faced my first cornea transplant in 2004; and I understand it again now.
Sometimes, it really does come down to just you and the One who created you. There are so many things we don’t know right now. The stained-glass of our Good Shepherd reminded me of what we DO have, and that is a promise.
We have a promise from the Almighty Creator of the universe, who is limitless in possibilities, grace, and power. It is a promise that he will lead us, he will provide for us, and he will be ever-present in our lives. It is a promise that in his presence, we will always find rest, refreshment, and comfort. And his promises stand firm, despite what is going on in the world around us.
So, in the days to come, when tension runs high, when anxiety takes over, and when doubt fills your heart and mind, let this be your mantra, “The Lord is my shepherd, his promises are true, and because of his love, I lack nothing.”
Peace be with each of you this day.
Blessings, Pastor Kim
Prayer
Dear Lord, my Good Shepherd, help me to read this psalm in a brand-new way today. Remind me to always depend on your goodness, mercy, and love. In this time of uncertainty, lead me to rest in your holy presence. In Christ’s name. Amen.
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