October 13 Daily Rhythms

Morning
Psalm 23 1-3

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 paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

It is a favorite and often memorized Psalm. Let us meditate on this today. Why does he lead us and restore our soul? What is the reason given? It is for his name’s sake. Let us never overlook the reality that there is one God and we are not it. He leads, we trust. He restores, we recognize his power, glory and might.

Afternoon
Psalm 23:4   

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

Yesterday evening we noted that there is no one who escapes death. But there is one who has defeated it. The Rod and the Staff are shepherding tools that reference the shepherds ability and duty to capture wayward sheep and to protect them. You are in the hands of a better shepherd. Even if we face the valley of death, we have a shepherd who knows the way to navigate it. Will you rest and trust, or do you need the rod?

Evening
Psalm 23:5- 6

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 forever.

A table in the presence of my enemies. We don’t always interpret that well. What if this refers to a banquet on the other side of the valley of the shadow of death. A Banquet where you will be seated alongside of those you fought with? you are blessed, loved, anointed, offered plenty – alongside of those who disagreed with you. The gospel of Jesus brings peace to fighting parties and healing to torn relationships. Do you really have to with? Or can you trust in his goodness to restore what is broken around you today? This weekend, what can you do to bring about restoration?