Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 05-09-25

Over the years, there have been moments when I have ‘felt’ a bit lost from the looming demands and flurry of life, but am I spiritually lost? No; never. God knows my heart, understands my feelings, but is always seeking to reveal deeper ways for me to relate to his presence and receive grace in times of need. Salvation is about relationship. When we are “feeling” lost, we must call for the Shepherd.

The purpose of Psalms is to direct our focus to the Savior who alone can rescue us. Essentially, the writings in the psalter are love songs that help us better understand the unfailing commitment of God to find us in our lostness. These songs are not given to simply stir our emotions as we experience God’s presence, because relying on feelings alone to decide God is with us is a mark of spiritual infancy. However, our emotions are used by God to move us closer to the Savior who never changes or fluctuates in his covenant commitment.

God’s goal for his children is that we would grow in our understanding of his intense steadfast love for us. For the spiritually mature, the indicator of God’s presence with us is the conviction and belief that God is faithfully transforming us from the lost into knowing we have been found. We are confident that he will deliver us from evil and rescue us, because we obediently allow the Lord to lead us in the Truth.

In our passage from the psalter, today, David does not rely on feelings. Rather, he relies on what he knows to be true. When David trusts God to lead, direct, and guide his life, he is never lost. David remains in the care of the Lord—his Guardian.

As believers—who seek to be guided in the Truth by our Shepherd—we are never lost. We are being spiritually transformed as new creatures in Christ’s nature and character. Our feelings may simply be slow in catching up to the Truth that we have already been found and we are loved more than we can ever understand. In those moments, we must reach for faith and persevere, because the Shepherd of our souls—mind, will, and emotions—is never far away. Easter reminds us our Hope lives!

Psalm 23 A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.

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

    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.

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.

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.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the assurance that even during the times in life when we may feel the most vulnerable, we are eternally secure in your love. Feed, lead, and guide us in the Truth. Help us cling to your gift of peace for our hearts and minds. Rescue us from the work and ways of evil, Lord. Please continue to meet our needs: lead us, strengthen us, protect us, comfort us, and bless us with your goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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