Today's Verse - Psalm 107:9

For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

—Psalm 107:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The Bible cries out with an essential and recurring truth: God quenches the thirst and satisfies the hunger of those who genuinely seek him. Jesus even said in his Sermon on the Mount:

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

We try to soothe the ache in our souls and fill the emptiness in our hearts with what is only a temporary satisfaction - an ache and emptiness that only God's presence can fill. Let's refuse every false satisfaction and tempting distraction and truly seek the LORD who alone can satisfy our spiritual thirst and fill the emptiness and hunger of our hearts. There IS a God-shaped hole in all of us that only he can fill!

My Prayer...

Forgive me, dear Father, for trying to find the satisfaction for my soul's hunger in what is not truly sustaining. I confess the area of temptation that most often causes you to stumble in this area - sex, status, possessions, economic security, chemical dependency, busyness, abusing food, buying new stuff, body identity, or a host of other possible vulnerabilities. As I seek you, dear LORD, please make your presence known as you satisfy my spiritual thirst and satiate my soul's deep hunger. In the name of Jesus, my LORD. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Psalm 23:2-3

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

—Psalm 23:2-3

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Some of us won't slow down for anything! Sadly, when we become overly self-assured and get too caught up in our plans, we tend to press on until we crash from exhaustion, make mistakes due to weariness, or sin because we are spiritually vulnerable. The LORD, our good Shepherd, slows us down, has us lie down, and brings restoration to our souls. Our Shepherd knows we need rest, nourishment, and refreshment. He helps us, and even makes us lie down in "green pastures" and walk beside "still waters." Once our Shepherd restores our souls, he leads us in the paths of his righteousness. Part of God's grace to us is his leading and guidance, enabling us to find rest, be restored, and walk in the right paths for our lives. Jesus, as our good Shepherd, did the same with his disciples when he said to them:

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31)

My Prayer...

Thank you, dear Father, for slowing down my frantic life and leading me to times of refreshment, rest, and nourishment. Please forgive me for the times I have been too busy to hear your voice or respond to your call to rest. I trust that you will lead me to what I need as you mature me to have more and more of your righteous character. To do that, I know that I need to rest in you and with you in "green pastures" and "quiet waters." O, God, I need your tender but firm guiding hand in my life as my Shepherd. In Jesus' name, I confess and pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

—Psalm 119:105

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

So often, those of us who have received the blessings of faith and the guidelines of the word of God don't fully appreciate them. Can you imagine what it would be like to try to define your worth, clarify your values, or establish your sense of purpose without a standard of truth? Imagine what it would be like to be lost without a map, without a compass, or without GPS? Remember what it was like to wake up in an unfamiliar place as a child in the pitch black darkness, totally disoriented? We don't have to worry about that now, do we? God's word - both the Scriptures and the Son - light our dark paths and show us the way home!

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

O LORD, my Abba Father, thank you for not leaving me in darkness. Your Word, the Scriptures, lights my path, and your Word, the Son, is the Light of the World and enlightens my life. Thank you for not leaving me alone in darkness to try and find my way through life. In Jesus' name, I thank you for your Word in the Scriptures and your Word, the Son who lights my way. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.