Tag: Psalm 23

April 3, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Repositioned to Be Fed

Opening Verse

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
—Psalm 23:2 (KJV)

Introduction

When life leaves you drained, unseen, or burdened by the expectations of others, it’s easy to believe you’re forgotten. But according to Scripture, the Lord is not distant—He’s the Good Shepherd, leading His sheep to rest, not ruin. When you feel overlooked, it may be the very moment God is guiding you into His care.

Devotional Story

A woman faithfully served in her local church for years. She prayed, fasted, and labored behind the scenes. Others depended on her, yet rarely asked how she was. She began to feel worn, like a branch that had given all its fruit but received no rain.

One evening, she opened her Bible and read these words: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Convicted, she went to prayer and asked, “Lord, have I confused serving people with following You?”

That night, in a dream, she stood in a dry land. She was surrounded by people who kept pulling on her, but then she looked and saw a green pasture in the distance. A voice spoke, “Follow Me, and I will feed you.”

When she awoke, she realized it was time to realign her steps with Christ. She stepped away from empty obligations—not out of rebellion, but to sit at Jesus’ feet. Like Mary who chose the better part (Luke 10:42), she chose to be filled by the Word before pouring out again.

What This Means

The Bible shows that God cares deeply about the state of your soul. He doesn’t just call us to labor; He calls us to rest in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10). If you’ve been serving without being nourished, you are not following the Shepherd—you are following expectations.

Repositioning is not retreating. It’s returning—to Jesus, your source.

Think About This

Have you mistaken activity for obedience? Are you doing things for God while neglecting to be with God?

Where is He asking you to come aside and be refreshed?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, forgive me for working in Your name while forgetting to rest at Your feet. You are my Shepherd, and I shall not want. Lead me to the green pastures of Your Word. Help me to slow down, listen, and be nourished by You alone. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Closing Verse

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”
—Hebrews 4:9 (KJV)

November 30, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Spiritual Life and the Crypto Market: Trusting God in the Ups and Downs

Opening Verse

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

Introduction

The spiritual life, like the unpredictable crypto market, is full of highs and lows. There are moments of great joy when faith seems easy, and times of struggle when you feel stuck in the trenches. Yet, in every season, God remains constant and faithful to deliver us.

Devotional Story

Thomas was a young investor captivated by the allure of cryptocurrency. At first, he experienced thrilling success, watching his investments soar. But just as quickly, the market plummeted, leaving him discouraged and questioning his decisions.

During a particularly difficult week, Thomas prayed earnestly, asking God for wisdom and peace. While reflecting, he realized how closely his emotional state mirrored his spiritual life. When things were good, he praised God easily. But in hard times, doubt crept in, and he felt abandoned.

That night, Thomas read Psalm 23:4, and it struck him: just as he trusted the market to recover, he needed to trust God to lead him through life’s valleys. Whether in moments of gain or loss, God’s presence offered stability that no market ever could.

What This Means

Life, like the crypto market, is unpredictable. The “ups” remind us of God’s blessings, while the “downs” teach us to depend on Him. In the trenches of despair, only God can lift us out, giving us the strength to endure and the hope to keep going. Faith is not about avoiding difficulties but trusting that God is with us through them all.

Think About This

  • Are you trusting God in both the highs and lows of life?
  • How can you lean on God more in the “down” seasons?
  • Are you allowing life’s uncertainties to strengthen your faith rather than weaken it?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being my constant in a world full of uncertainty. Help me to trust You in every season of life, whether I’m soaring in blessings or walking through the trenches. Strengthen my faith, and remind me that Your presence is my greatest security. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” – Psalm 28:7 (KJV)

August 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

God’s Protective Rod

Opening Verse

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4, KJV

Introduction

God’s Word often speaks of His protection and guidance. But have you ever thought about how His protection sometimes involves discipline? God’s rod not only protects us from external dangers but also from our own destructive tendencies.

Devotional Story

Imagine a shepherd guiding his sheep through treacherous terrain. The sheep, unaware of the lurking dangers, might wander off, driven by curiosity or fear. The shepherd’s rod, though it might seem harsh, gently corrects them and keeps them on the right path.

God, our Shepherd, does the same for us. There are times when we might be tempted to walk down a path that leads to sin and destruction. We may not even realize the danger ahead, but God does. In His love, He uses His rod to discipline us—not to harm us, but to protect us from the evil we might unwittingly choose. His discipline humbles us and redirects our steps, keeping us from wandering into the “valley of the shadow of death.”

What This Means

God’s rod is a tool of love. It is His way of keeping us safe, even when it means correcting us. When we face His discipline, it’s not because He is angry, but because He wants to prevent us from going down a dangerous path. His correction is a sign of His care and commitment to our well-being.

Think About This

Have you ever experienced God’s discipline in your life? It might have been uncomfortable, but did it save you from a greater danger? Reflect on how God’s rod has protected you, not just from external threats but from your own harmful choices.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your loving discipline. I may not always understand it, but I trust that Your rod and staff are meant to protect me. Help me to receive Your correction with a humble heart and to stay on the path that leads to life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”
Psalm 119:67, KJV