Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Opening Scripture

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this; he will make your righteousness shine like the dawn.”  Psalm 37:3-6

Opening Prayer

Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. Amen.

Daily Bible 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  

Today’s passage is arguably the most well-known text in the Bible. The powerful imagery of Almighty God lovingly functioning as our Good Shepherd is rich in meaning and comfort. While raising sheep is unfamiliar to most of us, it was very familiar to the people who first heard this psalm.

Shepherding in the ancient world was challenging and burdensome. Protecting from predators and providing food and water for an entire flock of sheep day after day was an exhausting and demanding job, made all the more difficult by the sheep’s lack of intelligence. Well-fed and free from danger, sheep tend to wander off.

This psalm paints a beautiful picture of God’s loving care for his people. Even in times of darkness (and danger), He will not abandon us. He is completely willing and fully able to protect and provide for us … even in the presence of our enemies.

And as the psalmist joyfully declares, this most satisfying and blessed relationship will last forever!

Flourishing Habit

Happiness and Life Satisfaction

Psalm 23 insists that God’s perfect goodness and complete sufficiency warrant your total trust. He alone is able to provide for all of your needs. Do you believe that?

Today’s Opening Scripture urges you to “delight yourself in the LORD.” What does that mean to you?

Do you take great pleasure and joy in your relationship with God? Do you find your greatest peace and fulfillment in Him?

The Hebrew word for “delight” (anag) implies an active enjoyment and satisfaction. It suggests a deep appreciation and a commitment to finding joy in His presence. Does that describe your relationship with God? If so, praise Him. If not, tell Him.

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” John Piper

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!