Lectio Divina
Listening to Psalm 23:1-6
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Supply – There is only one Shepherd and it is the Lord! What could I possibly every want or need that God cannot supply. More importantly, there are things that I want that God knows I shouldn’t have or I’m not ready for. There is no need to chase after things, God loves and God gives.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, Rest – when I’m exhausted God give me rest. So much of my life is consumed with doing something, I’ve got to concentration on being with God. Listening to God comes when I rest in God. he leads me beside quiet waters, Refreshment – I get more energy from God’s word and feeling the refreshing power of the God’s story to rush through me and fill me. When I feel dehydrated spiritual, God is ready with nourishment of His Spirit to fill me. he restores my soul. Healing – with so many people in the hospital lately, I trust God to heal the brokenness and set things right. What an amazing comfort to know that there is nothing God can’t fix, even a broken spirit. He guides me in paths of righteousness Guidance – God has a plan for my life. God want to lead me into His righteousness if I would only be willing. Sometimes it is so hard to know and depend on the leading of God and not our own voice. for his name's sake. Purpose – the ultimate purpose of life is to live for His sake. To be drawn into the heart of God, to know God, and to be know by God is greater purpose than we can possibly know. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Challenge – Everyone has times in there lives when faith in God is put to the test. I pray that God gives me courage and strength to follow the Light I have been given when all around appears as darkness. “Test me and know my heart, O God.” [psalm 26:2] I will fear no evil,Assurance – when I look back on the times in my life I have been at the end of my rope, I can see that God’s hand was there. Why I asked God why did that happen, He answered and said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” My own story is a story of God’s redeeming love. How can I ever doubt God’s love? But sometimes I do when I don’t get my own way.
for you are with me; Faithfulness – Sometimes I think God believe in me far more than I believe in Him. When I’m kicking and screaming into the future, God is right there to comfort and protect. He speaks my name as if to His own son. He has plans for me that I can scarce imagine, but I like to dream and God like to fulfill. your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Comfort – God’s strength, creativity, and compassion are beyond measure. “When I look at the heavens, the moon and the stars which you have created, who is [Steve] that You are mindful of him?” Psalm 8:2. When we grieve, God comforts, heals, and weeps with us. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Abundance – God wants to give and wants to show me how to give. I know there are parts of my life that I’m not as giving as I should be, but God’s abundance encourages me to step out and be as generous as He is. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, Blessings – Perhaps the greatest blessing I’ve ever received was the encouragement and support of my wife. I certainly did not know it at the time, but through all the ups and downs of life, she has nudged, inspired, and comforted me through some of the most harrowing episodes in my faith journey. I think God knew I was going to need something extra special. and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Security – Jesus said, I got to prepare a place for you that where I am, you may be also. [John 14:2]. With Christ our future is secure and not even death can take it away. I know we get anxious about what’s on the other side, but what would happen if we just kept repeating that amazing phrase, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!” Thanks be to God!Email Subscription: