Comfort from the Word
Does the Bible actually help you?
Verse of the Day
‘He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.’
Today’s Devotional
The 23rd Psalm has a special place in my home. Each night, as we are ready to go to sleep, we tell our home internet system “good night”. This triggers a routine which turns off any lights, locks the doors, and reads aloud Psalm 23. For over two years, every night that I have slept in my home, I have gone to bed having this psalm read aloud to me.
Sometimes I’m half listening and half thinking about…well, whatever I’m thinking about. Sometimes I mentally recite it as it is being read. Sometimes I listen to see what stands out, and many nights there are different things that stand out. The Word of God is living and active, after all.
Recently, the same thing keeps standing out. Which is something that I find very comforting. But first, let’s read the psalm together today. Pause before you begin and ask God to show you something new.
‘The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.’ (Psalms 23)
Today, the comforting part of this psalm is looking at what is God’s role versus my role. Let’s look at it together.
What does the psalm say that God does?
- He shepherds.
- He provides rest.
- He leads (to good places).
- He renews strength.
- He guides.
- He brings glory to Himself.
- He remains close to me.
- He protects and comforts me.
- He prepares a feast. For me. In front of my enemies, no less.
- He honors me.
- He blesses me to the point of overflowing.
- He pursues me with love and goodness.
- He safeguards my eternity.
What does the psalm say that I do, if I put myself in the place of the writer of this psalm?
- I rest.
- I am guided.
- I walk through difficult things or scary places.
- I choose not to fear.
- I attend a feast.
- I am blessed.
There might be a few more things that we could infer to be our role, but they are all very similar to the ones already listed.
When I compare those two lists, it humbles me. and comforts me, and makes me wonder why I ever allow my brain to struggle. But struggle it does. Often.
It is very tempting to read this psalm, and even read the two lists I’ve given you, and still say something like, “Well, that’s all well and good, but I’m not sure any of that helps me with my problems today.” My brain (and sometimes my mouth) says similar things often. At this point we have the option of asking ourselves some questions.
Do we believe the Bible to be true?
Do we believe this psalm applies to us?
Do we believe that God is offering His guidance and rest and renewal and blessing today in the midst of our current circumstances?
Do I have faith that He is God, that He is good, and that He is good to me?
I do believe, Lord. But help me with my unbelief. (Mark 9:24)
Father, help us today to be comforted by what you are offering us. Help us to know how to rely on you today. Help us to lean not on our own understanding. Help us to know what questions to ask you today. Help us to listen for your answers. Help us to praise you even before you bless us. Help us to be grateful. Help us to be comforted knowing that you are God and you are good.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
Do you believe the Bible to be true? Why or why not?
Do you believe this psalm applies to you? Why or why not?
Do you believe that God is offering His guidance and rest and renewal and blessing today in the midst of your current circumstances? Why or why not?
Do I have faith that He is God, that He is good, and that He is good to you?
Write out your version of Mark 9:24. “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Invite God to comfort you with His Word today. Ask Him to show you how.