Psalm 23 Reflection for Feb. 4, 2015

Psalm 23 (NLT)
(1) The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

• Having you Lord is enough. Thank you for the food that I am preparing for breakfast this morning. Thank you that I have a job to work at and that I can work.

(2) He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

• Today, Lord, may I take rest from the tyranny of the busyness. As I catch up on my to-do list today, keep today's appointments, and provide counsel to others, may I look to the Counselor of my soul and cast my anxiety upon Him.

(3) He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

• Be glorified in my life today, Lord. When I get tired today I don't want to be short tempered. May my choices reflect the fruit of Your Spirit of self-control.

(4) 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.

• I don't know what the day holds for me, so I trust in You to help me face the challenges I will have to endure. I desire to follow Your Spirit's nudging because I know you only want what is best for those around me, from me.

(5) You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

• Lord, I am thankful that I have no one I'm aware of that desires to harm me or my family. For those that may be annoyed by me or that I may hurt unintentionally, may I seek to do what is right and take the opportunity to be a friend. Thank you for healing me that I may be a blessing as you have blessed me.

(6) Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

• Thank you for not giving up on me, Lord! May I live in your kingdom this day.

My Psalm 23 Reflection for Feb. 3, 2015

Psalm 23 (NLT)
(1) The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

• Today I have food for the day. My wife and children are well. We have a roof over our heads today and heat! We have clothes on our backs. Lord, I am thankful for all You have provided. 

(2) He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

• Lord, today will be a long day with work, counseling, and class. May I allow you to lead me throughout the day to be nourished and remain at peace. And even more so when I feel the time crunch and frustration of the day.

(3) He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

• Today, Lord, my body aches from the snow shoveling yesterday. Thank you that I was able to shovel the snow. Give me knowledge to reduce the soreness, especially in my shoulders and neck. Give me strength to work through the discomfort. 
• Today, Lord, my I desire to fulfill the purpose of life; to bring You glory. As I face choices throughout my day, may I follow Your Spirit's leading to make the best decisions that will allow me to bring you glory.

(4) 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.

• The valley of darkness that will likely come my way is by my emotions. Lord, how often my fears and worries have ruled my life! Not today. As I face the unknowns today, may I rest in your presence. Help me to be aware of your protection and comfort.

(5) You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil.  My cup overflows with blessings.

• Lord, help me to not view others as my enemies: the person on the road driving crazy, the one in the line ahead of me that's taking too long,... whomever it may be and whatever the circumstances. May I turn to you for healing when I am hurt today. And in the midst of feeling nothing is going right, may I stop and count my many blessings. May I be a blessing to those I will come in contact with today... starting with my family. 

(6) Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

• Lord, may I live in Your kingdom now! Thank You for pursuing me with your goodness and love.