Held (6)

Intro:

What a promise we finish with today. This Psalm’s final verse is such an uplifting one. Let’s enter in with faith and excitement as we reflect upon it integrating it into our lives today and forever!

Opening Prayer:

God, I open today with deep, abiding gratitude. That you love me. That you accept me. That you understand me. That your mercy and love surround me. And that you promise to be with me now and forever.

Bible Verse:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths
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 your mercy and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    Forever.

(Psalms 23 NIV)

Reflection:

That’s a promise from the Lord God Almighty. Our loving Heavenly Father. It’s so precious. God’s mercy (or sometimes translated “goodness”) and love will follow me all the days of my life. What’s this mean? Wherever I go, whatever happens in life I can have unwavering and absolutely abiding certainty that God’s mercy and love go with me. He promises to never leave me nor forsake me, to always surround me with His angels, to hold me close to His heart. It’s this sort of image that God offers to you and me.

And that I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever promises me that His presence goes with me. When this was written the house of the Lord was referring to the temple of the Lord, where God’s presence dwelt. That means God is reinforcing the promise of His presence. We’ll never be far from him. Wherever we travel. Whatever happens in our lives. Whatever challenges we face or joys we experience, God promises He will be with me.

And where His presence is there is provision, there is protection and there is peace.

This is what God leaves with us today. How precious.

Prayer:

Thank you God that no matter where I go, no matter what I do, I know your presence goes with me. Your presence goes with each one of us. And with your presence there is your peace, your provision, your mercy, goodness and love.

Thank you Jesus for making this possible. Thank you Father for sending your Son and that I am held by you now and always. Thank you Holy Spirit that you are near to me now.

Amen.