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.