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I thought I’d meditate through Psalms 23 with all of you this week.

This week at Kfirst, we are focusing on a meditative approach to the scriptures. “Meditation” is, perhaps, the most underused and misunderstood approach to the bible. Often, “meditation” is associated with eastern religions or New Age “disconnecting.” Scriptural meditation is not about disconnecting but engaging with the text in order to digest it.

Check out Day 1 HERE 
Check out Day 2 HERE

As we are taking a meditative approach to Psalm 23, we’re going to do it bit by bit. One of my favorite “meditation” tactics is using the 5 senses in the context of the scripture. Other tactics can include memorizing scripture, focusing on specific phrases, speaking aloud, journaling, and praying it.

“He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” ESV
“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.” NLT
“True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.” MSG
“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.” TPT

My meditative thoughts today:

My every intention was to stick to one verse, but words like “leads/guides”  “paths” and “walk” and “valley” could not be separated. There are some “paths” the Lord leads me on which most likely go through a valley.

The “valley moments” are not always evil in nature. Sometimes they are difficult seasons. But nevertheless, they are dark and challenging. But as I meditate on this, the promise is:

He leads me.
He is with me.
He protects me.
He will bring me through.

But He doesn’t do it so that I am glorified. It is for “His name’s sake.”

Here’s my life Lord. Lead me, my marriage, my family, and my calling according to Your honor. Guide me on a path that only can be traversed because I stuck close to you. I want no part of something I can do apart from you. Speak Lord, and I will follow. Mountain or valley, no fear will fracture the truth of Your presence. You are with me.

Amen

Check out the service from Sunday from the website or from the Facebook livestream. 

Other thoughts from the Youversion notes from Sunday:

Love you all.

Thanks for letting me ramble…