Welcome to part six of our “Separated Together” devotional adventure.
We may be in different homes, but we are essentially all one family.
The best part is, God is our Good Good Father, and our Good Good Shepherd.
As the reality of our situation continues to soak in, as our streets are seeing less traffic, and as our cabinets are more stocked for the potential that we might have to shelter in place for a while longer, we need to continue to lean on our Good Good Father.
How do people of faith respond to moments like these?
We trust in God; completely and without reservation.
We express faith that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us! In our greatest moments of faith, the artists among us write songs that remind us of this.
That’s what David did.
You could argue that Psalm 23 was the original blues tune, in reverse. In one of David’s darkest moments, he doesn’t sink down, he rises up. I can’t wait to show it to you from Psalm 23 today.
Once again, I want to encourage you to read the 23rd Psalm out loud.
It’s truth, poured into your mind, will wash away the worry you might be prone to be absorbed by as you watch the news reports.
Scripture for today
A psalm of David The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalm 23:1-6
I believe verse 4 was written for such a time as this. Look at it again: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death… [how dark is that shadow?] I will fear no evil.
Why will I choose faith instead of fear? For You are with me.
Take a minute to look around the room you’re in. Do you see God? The evidence of Him is all around you.
Use your mouth to let your ears hear this truth. (In other words, say this out loud to yourself:) “God is with me.”
Since you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, You are not, nor have you ever been, alone.
You are not, nor has your situation ever been, unknown to your Good Good Shepherd.
A real-life shepherd never leaves his sheep during their darkest hour. And believe me, your Heavenly Father would never consider leaving you to fend for yourself in a dark moment. He’s not capable of desertion!
He is with you. He knows your thoughts, your worries, your hopes, and your needs.
The Good Shepherd is here to feed you today. And lead you today. Walk your path with Him every moment between now and when you lie down to rest tonight.
Prayer for today
Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, and I trust in You today. Help me to be aware of Your presence in every moment today. This pandemic feels like a dark valley to me. I believe the promise that the words of this Psalm are a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
As you walk with me today, Lord, I want to be more than your lamb. I want to be Your means to bring light to others who feel darkness creeping in. Guide me to someone I can encourage today. I want to live this day for You, as You live this day with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!