Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

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Read

Psalm 23 (NRSV)

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.

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.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
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.

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Reflect

How many souls has this particular psalm comforted since these words were uttered? From the new widow who suddenly finds herself alone to the lost college student trying to find his way back to the church. The words are never dated, because people are always searching for peace – the peace that can only be found in God’s embrace. The calm image of green fields, blue waters, and a full table do wonders to soothe the empty, searching soul.

In the busyness of life today, we need permission to sit…sit and spend time in God’s embrace. It feels wrong to sit without a smart phone to capture the moment or to record your status on Facebook. Yet, God wants us to pause – to turn our fears over to God and to bask in the beauty of the creation that was made for us.

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Pray

Dear Shepherd of the World, lead us to those peaceful waters and calm valleys. Walk with us through those dark valleys. Guide us to your table. Teach us to live in your home forever. Amen.

Go with God.