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.

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...

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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.

Today's Verse - Psalm 92:4

For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

—Psalm 92:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Gaze into the heavens on a dark night away from the lights of the city. Then gaze at the innumerable wonders and starry hosts in the vastness of God's cosmos. Think of the incredible diversity of Earth's wonders. Look at your own life and see the fingerprints of God's work in your own experience (Romans 8:28). As Jesus said, our Father is working still (John 5:17). To this very day, your Father is at work in you, our world, and his people. Yes, it does make us glad to know that we are not alone in working our own lives (Psalm 139:1-24; Philippians 2:13). There is a deep-seated joy in trusting that the LORD, Creator of the universe, is at work in us and for us. No wonder singing praise is such a natural response for many of us!

My Prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you for your power and glory revealed in the majesty of your creation. I thank you for your work in transforming and recreating me, as well. Please, dear Father, continue your transforming work in me through the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). Fashion me into a useful life of praise that brings you glory. In Jesus' name, "I sing for joy at the works of your hands." Amen.