New Hope Oahu - Scripture Songs 11 Day DevotionalSample

"I Am Not Alone”

SCRIPTURE:

 “1The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

OBSERVATION: 

David wrote this Psalm depicting the Lord as his Shepherd and himself as the sheep. David finds peace, comfort, and confidence knowing the Lord will guide him through all the ups and downs life may bring. David paints a really beautiful picture of the Lord making him lie down in green pastures and walking alongside quiet waters. Diving deeper into that part allows me to really understand the relationship between the Shepherd and the sheep. In actuality, sheep do not lie down unless they are fed and feel safe. Therefore, David, like a sheep, feels a sense of peace and security knowing the Lord will provide all he needs and he can find rest when he needs it. In the same reading, David goes from talking about beautiful green pastures and calm waters to walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Something powerful about that line is when it states walking THROUGH the valley. It is a declaration of not being stuck there and knowing there’s hope and victory at the end because you are never alone for the Lord is always with you. David illustrates two completely opposite images but the peace and confidence David finds in the Lord remains the same. 

APPLICATION:

This reading allows me the opportunity to take a step back and evaluate my own faith. Can I confidently proclaim my God is a good God through the hills and valleys I face? Do I truly believe He’s my healer, provider, and comforter? As a follower of Christ, this Psalm is an encouragement and reminder that my God is with me through the victories and struggles I will, undoubtedly, walk through in my life.

PRAYER: 

Thank you Lord for this word. May it be a reminder to me whenever I go through hardships, as well as triumphs, to praise You through it all for You are so faithful. Help me to have faith like David in everything I face. I give You all the glory, honor, and praise, always. Amen!

Noni Slade