Lenten Devotional
By Pastor Vicki Harrison

Scripture Reading:

Psalm 23,

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 darkest valley,
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 goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Reflection:

It is hard to tell the exact occasion of the writing of the 23rd Psalm. We know that King David was older, as the text suggests he had both enemies and had experienced hardship and prosperity. Possibly, the 23rd Psalm was written while David was at Mahanaim, as he contemplated how the battle was going between his forces and those of his son, Absalom, during the civil war caused by Absalom's rebellion. David would certainly have been grief-stricken and heartbroken. And yet, in the midst of some of the darkest circumstances of his life, there is no doubt where his life finds its center. His center, his protection, his comfort, and his hope come from the Lord and the Lord alone.

When life is uncertain or difficult, I find it helpful to pray over the 23rd Psalm.  I picture King David in the midst of his troubles.  I think about all the people over the course of history who have prayed this powerful psalm.  Then, I actually picture myself being led by still waters and lying in a pleasant, bugless green pasture.  I visualize each line of the psalm, praying it over and over again.  It helps me center myself in God, becoming fully immersed in his comfort and protection. 

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for your comfort and protection.  Thank you for being present with us in the good and the bad, in the mountain and the valley.  Help us center ourselves in you and fill us with your amazing peace.  Amen.