Daily Devotion - Thursday, May 26

Reflections on Psalm 23

Yesterday we talked about relying on God’s guidance to lead us through the valleys of deep darkness. Today we are presented with a trio of statements about the shepherd’s care giving. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.” Let’s approach this trio in two ways today.

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

Then, think about the ways that you prepare tables in the presence of enemies (like sickness, illness, disease); the ways you anoint people with healing oils (like medications, lotions, dressings); the ways you can fill people’s lives to overflowing (like gifts of gentleness, kindness and goodness).

As people dedicated to quality care giving, let us continue to display the words of the Psalmist in our words and our work. 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
05.26.11