My Shepherd: Right Paths
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." Psalm 23:3-4 NIV
Thoughts for Today
So often we choose our own paths instead of asking for God's direction. Sadly, we might not turn to him until we've learned the hard way that our plan didn't work.
The Lord is our Shepherd. He loves us unconditionally. Only he knows what lies ahead. Only he knows what the best plan is. And yet too often, we stubbornly choose to trust in our own thinking rather than asking him for guidance and obeying him. And as we dart off on our own paths, we wander away from his protection, the protection he so much wants to give. Like a sheep leaving the flock and the Shepherd's protection, we open ourselves to problems and dangers we cannot handle alone.
Consider this. . .
When we trust God enough to choose his plan, to walk in obedience to him, he will renew our strength. He will guide us along the right paths. And we will honor him in what we do. When we choose to follow him, we don't need to be afraid because he is right beside us. No matter where the path leads, he will protect us and comfort us.
With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. Don't ever think that you are wise enough but respect the LORD and stay away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7 CEV
Prayer
Father, forgive me for all the times I've chosen my own path instead of following yours. Thank you for continuing to love me. Help me always to turn to you first, to follow you in obedience. Help me honor you in all I do. Thank you for your strength, comfort, and protection.
In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from. . .Knowing God My Father: Applying the Names of God to My Personal Life by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This curriculum is designed to help people strengthen their relationship with their heavenly Father by applying His names to their personal life. Along with helping Christians know God better, it can serve as an evangelistic tool by giving a true picture of God to people who may have a distorted view of Him because of an absent or abusive earthly father who did not or does not provide for them. This group can also help men who want to be better fathers. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
©Living Free 2019. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2018. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
