Daily Reading 10-12-17
Psalm 23 New Living Translation (NLT)
Years ago when I went to the Holy Land, I traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. Between those places I saw a great deal of wilderness; dry and barren land with scorching temperatures. The Hebrew word for wilderness is midbar; the root is “speak” or “word.” We know from Scripture that God speaks to the Israelites in the wilderness; He teaches them He is the Source of all things and they can trust Him.
Are you experiencing a time in the wilderness with God? Are you experiencing trials and challenges that prepare you for bringing honor to His name?
The older I get the more I see the whole world as a wilderness; a place where spiritually dry and lifeless choices seem to abound. Then, the Word of God speaks to my heart and I am reminded that in the midst of that environment I am pursued by the amazing grace and love of God who woos me to seek the kingdom so I may continually drink of living waters and eternal life. Think about it; God’s goodness, mercy, and unfailing love pursues you in order to Shepherd you to the living water you need to survive the dry and lifeless places in the world and to grow in your dependence upon His provision.
Psalm 23 A psalm of David.
1
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
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.
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.
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.
Prayer: Lord, I am thirsty for more and more of your living water; please quench my thirst and lead me in the paths of righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.