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Psalm 23 Virus Devotional – The Lord is my Shepherd

APRIL 27 – PSALM 23

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Psalm 23, also called the shepherd’s psalm, was composed by David, who was a shepherd in his youth. Remember what Scripture tells us about David’s life as a shepherd boy. (1) David was out keeping sheep when Samuel the judge came to his father Jesse’s home to find a king of God’s choosing (1 Sam 16:11). (2) David was the youngest of eight sons and he was left behind to tend sheep when his three oldest brothers went to battle. However, he occasionally visited them (1 Sam 17:12-20, 28). (3) David used skills sharpened during years of shepherding to kill Goliath (1 Sam 17:34-37, 40-51). (4) David is remembered as having been chosen by God and taken from the sheepfolds to shepherd the people of Israel (Ps 78:70-72).

Psalm 23 reflects David’s career shift. While the first four verses paint a pastoral picture, the last two have David sitting at a banquet table, most likely as king, while his enemies—those over whom God has made him triumph—look on. Having grown up in rural places, David had come to the city to exercise authority and power.

This passage has been looked at and remembered in many different ways and is one of the most popular passages of the Bible. Let’s try and look at it with fresh eyes to see what God is showing us.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    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 goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lord leads, protects, guides, and restores His flock. (v. 1-4)
  • The Lord is our Provider (v. 5)
  • Our eternal hope is in enjoying God’s presence (v. 6)
Read More »Psalm 23 Virus Devotional – The Lord is my Shepherd

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 21 Psalm 18:1-2

APRIL 21 – PSALM 18:1-2

GOD IS MY ROCK & FORTRESS

Today, we look at a short section of Scripture to remind ourselves of who God is. Just as David did, it is good to remember who God is and how He is our Rock, shelter, fortress, and stronghold, especially in times of trouble. Throughout this lengthy Psalm, we see David remember many ways in which God delivered Him. During these difficult times, it is good for us to do likewise in remembering the ways God has provided and cared for us.

1 “I love You, O Lord, my strength.”

2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NASB)

Key Takeaways:

Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 21 Psalm 18:1-2

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 16 Psalm 9:9-10

April 16, 2020

PSALM 9:9-10 GOD IS OUR STRONGHOLD

Today’s devotional is a quick reminder about who God is, especially during times of trouble. We are attacked often during these trials to trust ourselves, others, or other means, but this psalm speaks to the value of trusting God.

9 The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble;
10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 16 Psalm 9:9-10

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 14 – Psalm 8

April 14, 2020 – The Majesty of God:

Today, we turn our attention to the Majesty of God. We focus on the only God there is and whose handiwork is all around us. Today, we look at Psalm 8 and look to follow the example of David by acknowledging God and His majesty:

1 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2     Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
    to still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
    and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
    whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The majesty of God
    • The word majestic suggests splendor and magnificence. It is a fitting note of praise for the Lord of Creation.
  • We are created as majestic creatures
    • We and all other human beings are valuable because God Himself created us in His own glorious image
  • God’s plan
    • God can use all of us no matter how strong or weak to silence evil

Context/summary:Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 14 – Psalm 8

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 7 Psalm 22

April 7, 2020 – Psalm 22

Today we look at Psalm 22 which talks of the Messiah being pierced. Due to time and size of discussion on this classic psalm, I will skip the verse-by-verse and instead give an overview. Much has already been said about this psalm in detail that we will skip here. There are a few verses that I want to touch on, but this is really a general overview about this classic psalm.

General Overview:

David apparently felt forsaken by God, as he was surrounded by his enemies’ scornful persecution. He lamented his tremendous suffering and his desperate struggle with death, pleading with God to deliver him from such a horrible end. Apparently, his prayer was answered, for he was able to declare to the elect and to the world that the Lord answered his prayer.Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 7 Psalm 22

Quarantine Devotional – Psalm 4 God’s Presence and Peace

April 4, 2020 – God’s presence and peace

Today, we look at Psalm 4 to see how the psalmist looks to God in prayer and puts their trust in Him. The passage reads:

Psalm 4 – Evening Prayer of Trust in God.

For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;

Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach?

How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.

3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself;

The Lord hears when I call to Him.

4 Tremble, and do not sin;

Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,

And trust in the Lord.

6 Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?”

Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord!

7 You have put gladness in my heart,

More than when their grain and new wine abound.

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep,

For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety. (NASB)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:Read More »Quarantine Devotional – Psalm 4 God’s Presence and Peace

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 2 Psalm 3

April 2, 2020 – God’s Salvation and Rest

Continuing our reading plan from NEBC-San Antonio, today we look at Psalm 3.

Morning Prayer of Trust in God.

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

1 O Lord, how my adversaries have increased!

Many are rising up against me.

2 Many are saying of my soul,

“There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah.

3 But You, O Lord, are a shield about me,

My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

4 I was crying to the Lord with my voice,

And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.

5 I lay down and slept;

I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people

Who have set themselves against me round about.

7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God!

For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek;

You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.

8 Salvation belongs to the Lord;

Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah. (NASB)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 2 Psalm 3

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – March 31 Psalm 1

March 31, 2020

Following the reading plan found here at Northeast Bible Church (San Antonio), today we look at the classic psalm in Psalm 1. This psalm discusses the benefits of being rooted in Scripture, especially during trials and tribulations.

1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season

And its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers.

4 The wicked are not so,

But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

But the way of the wicked will perish.

(NASB)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – March 31 Psalm 1