“Future Blessings” - Psalm 23 (Day 5)
Over the past week, we’ve reflected on the words of King David in one of the most beloved pieces of Scripture - Psalm 23. It is our hope that through this experience you’ve had the opportunity to encounter this psalm with fresh eyes, leading you to new insight into God’s character, His faithfulness, guidance, and provision, and how those things help us navigate trials and adversity. Today’s devotional will be a bit different in its format and flow, and this switch is done with intentionality. First we will read Psalm 23 together. Then I’ll lead us through a reflective time, using the psalm as a prayer back to God. As we meditate on the psalm verse by verse, we will be reminded of His goodness while strengthening our understanding of His truth. Let's begin our time by first reading Psalm 23 in its entirety:
Psalm 23 says this:
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 the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Now, we will go verse by verse through Psalm 23, giving you space to put your words to each Scripture by praying about them. We encourage you to not rush through this experience, but be intentional by writing your prayers out in a journal, saying them out loud, or reflecting on them in your head.
Verse 1
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (v.1)
Take a moment to reflect on how God has been a good shepherd to you. Pour your heart out to Him in gratitude and praise.
Verse 2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
Take a moment to close your eyes, sit in silence and just breathe. Reflect on how God’s presence provides you with peace.
Verse 3
He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Take a moment to praise God for His greatness. Pray that every part of your life would bring Him glory.
Verse 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.
Take a moment to thank God for His protection in the past and how His future presence enables you to encounter any trial or adversity with courage, hope, and faith.
Verse 5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Take a moment to consider God’s provision and how He gives you everything you need to accomplish everything He asks of you.
Verse 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.
Take a moment and consider how God’s goodness and love follow you wherever you go. Thank God for His pursuit of you and how that connection is available to you for all the days to come.