Read Psalms 23
Highlights:
The Lord is my Shepherd (He never fails to provide) (Ps. chap. 23). The earth is the Lord's (He owns it all). . . . He is King of Glory (chap. 24). The meek will He teach His way (25:9). David's patience and faith (27:14); God expects us to pray (chap. 28); the mighty power of God is available (chap. 29). Praise to Him (chap. 30).
After David's recovery from an affliction which had very nearly proven fatal, he testified: Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: Thou hast kept me alive (Ps. 30:3). He commenced with praise to God for His goodness and called upon all who, like himself, had known the loving-kindness of Jehovah, to join him in his thanksgiving. Distress of body or mind is common, and sooner or later it comes to almost everyone.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. . . . Thou has turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou has put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness (30:5,11). Affliction was the instrument that God used to prompt David to write this Psalm, glorifying our wonderful Lord. He was driven to earnest prayer, and earnest prayer always leads to praise. The Psalmist realized that the hand of God was in his recovery. Thou hast lifted me up (30:1-2). David told the Lord: Thou hast . . . girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent (30:11-12). We overcome our fears of affliction when we recognize that our trials are not chance, but part of the plan of God to lift us up. Then, we too will praise Him.
Whatever else God in mercy and wisdom may have in mind for His children who experience afflictions, there is one thing very clear — the Lord is near those who are suffering. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth (145:18). What a comfort! The Lord is near in all His tenderness and love, in all His power and grace. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all (34:19). Furthermore, affliction is a means of drawing the believer closer to God. Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept Thy Word (119:67). The follower of Christ who trusts in Him shall never be disappointed.
We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead (II Cor. 1:9).
Thought for Today:
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me (Ps. 23:4).
Christ Revealed:
As our Shepherd (Ps. 23). Christ called Himself the Good Shepherd and vowed to lay down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Word Studies:
26:1 slide, fall; 26:2 reins desires and thoughts; 26:4 dissemblers pretenders, deceitful ones; 28:2 holy oracle mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies ; 28:3 mischief evil.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC) and Rep. Collin Peterson (MN) • Country: Mauritius (1 million) 500 miles east of Madagascar • Major languages: English and Creole • Limited religious freedom • 50% Hindu; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% Muslim; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and praise God for His faithfulness and mercy in keeping all His promises (II Chron. 6:14-15).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Acts 4:12
