Trusting Through Trouble
Opening Prayer
Thank the Lord that he speaks to us through his Word. Ask him to show you something fresh in today’s passage.
Read Psalm 23:1-6
[1]A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. [4] 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. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] 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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why does the psalmist feel so peaceful and secure?This psalm, which we associate with comfort and encouragement, describes a surprising number of negative experiences. In fact, David probably wrote these words at a time when he was himself in need of comfort and encouragement, or later when recalling such experiences. We see him mentally and physically exhausted (2,3), facing danger (4) and surrounded by enemies (5). This psalm reflects the tension that we all encounter as we live as Christians in a fallen world. We know God is faithful and good; we know he provides and protects. But we may know all this best when such comforts are lacking. It is when we most need God, when we cry out to him, aware that we have no other hope, that what we know about him in theory becomes a personal revelation. As we go through life’s trials, most of us would prefer to simply download the revelation without having to experience it. But looking back, we know that we trust God more, praise him more, love him more, because he was faithful to us in the very situations we would have opted out of, given the choice.
Apply
Read the psalm again as a prayer, pausing to meditate on the verses that are of most significance to you today.
Closing prayer
Thank You, my Lord, that You are, indeed, my Good Shepherd who leads, guides and provides for me always.
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