August 1st, 2025
God's Presence in Our Trials
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have what I need.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He renews my life;
he leads me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have what I need.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He renews my life;
he leads me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.
Life's challenges can make us feel lost and alone, but like the shepherd in Psalm 23, God is always with us. The image of Jesus making the crowd sit in green pastures echoes this psalm, reminding us of God's tender care. Today, meditate on a difficult situation you're facing. How might God be using this "experiment" to grow your faith and reveal His faithfulness? Trust that even in the "valley of the shadow of death," God is with you, guiding and comforting you. Ask Him to help you see His presence in your trials and to rest in His care.
Posted in Daily Devos