Today’s Scripture:

 

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul.  He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. 

Food for Thought:

This passage of Scripture is read at almost every funeral.  It is a passage of comfort and assurance.  My favorite line is,” Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.”  To dwell with God is a beautiful thing and it gives so much peace.  Think back on a time in your life when you “dwelt with God.”  What did it feel like?  What would you need to do if you felt distant from God right now?

Prayer:

Holy God, you are ever present and moving among your people.  Draw us near to you, that in place of hostility, there may be peace; in place of loneliness, compassion; in place of aimlessness, direction; and in place of sickness, healing; through Christ Jesus, in whom you draw near to us.  In your sacred name we pray, Amen.