Daily Devotion - Thursday, May 27

Looking at Psalm 23

Sometimes life can feel like such a maze! The text of Psalm 23 has some wonderful images that can help us on our journey through our maze of life. Annually (and usually in the spring) I like to spend one week of devotions looking at this beloved Psalm.

Yesterday we talked about relying on God’s guidance to lead us through the valleys of deep darkness. Today I want to present a couple of statements about the shepherd’s care giving and I want to suggest a couple of approaches for them.
● “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.”
● "Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.”

First, receive these statements as gifts that flow to you, the created, from your creator.

Then, think about the ways that you have to prepare tables in the presence of enemies (sickness, illness, disease, difficult relationships that need healing); the ways you anoint people with healing oils (in listening, just being with another, helping); the ways you can fill people’s lives to overflowing (like gifts of gentleness, kindness and goodness).

May the grace of God flow through you.

A Prayer attributed to Thomas A Kempis: “Make that possible to me, O Lord, by grace which appears impossible to me by nature. Amen.”

--Ben Keckler
05.27.10