Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 15, 2022
Read Psalm 23:1-6
1 The LORD is my shepherd. I lack nothing. 2 He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; 3 he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff protect me. 5 You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over! 6 Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the LORD’s house as long as I live. (CEB)
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (KJV)
Good morning! Let us rejoice in the beautiful day with which we have been blessed.
As I read this morning’s extremely familiar passage from the Upper Room, I found myself longing for the King James Version, so I included it as well. It’s interesting how sometimes we lean on what we first learned. There are so many great translations of the Bible available, but for a few passages I really appreciate the poetry that the KJ uses. For this particular passage, it’s not just the words used, but all of the memories that flood my soul when I read the words. These memories are part of what binds me together with the generations that came before me.
David wrote this Psalm for the perspective of being a sheep. As a shepherd, David knew well what he would do to protect the sheep for whom he was charged to care. He understands that his sheep lack for nothing and he is always there to protect them from whatever challenges that occur. His beautiful poem relates his experience as a shepherd to our God, the shepherd of us all.
Although this passage has become a prominent reading at funerals, it is a source of comfort for us in good times and in bad times, as well as, in life and death. These words remind us of God’s promise to be with us always. When we are to the point of being unable to read, think, or survive, we can fall back on Psalm 23 and remember that God is here protecting and caring for us.
Loving and Caring God, Thank You for loving us. We praise You in all things. May we never forget that you care for us, your sheep, always! Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Scripture is God’s voice speaking to me.
God is here! Rejoice! Pastor Liz
Amen!