This past week, my wife sent me Psalms 23 and asked me to do an exercise with her. She challenged me to summarize each line of Psalms 23 with one or two descriptive words. It caused me to reflect on the passage of scripture in a totally different way than my normal processing and contemplation. It made me put each line of the Psalm a sense of definition that was really impactful.

Below, I’ll give you our defining words as an example, but why not try this yourself? Copy a Psalm in a word document and then type in the words that the Lord gives you. Other Psalms that you might also use this devotional method could be Psalms 1, 51 & 91. I hope you enjoy this Saturday Morning Exercise!

Psalm 23 – A psalm of King David.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Contentment, Safety, Provision)

He makes me lie down in green pastures, (Rest)
he leads me beside quiet waters, (Shalom, Fellowship)

he refreshes my soul. (Rejuvenation)
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake. (Confidence, Belonging)

Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; (Faith, Trust, Assurance)
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. (Training, Readiness, Care)

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.(Shalom, Honor)
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. (Blessing, Strength, Ability)

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life, (Favor, Help, Provision)
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever. (Belonging, Access, Inheritance, Heaven) 

Thank you for reading Saturday Morning Devotionals. I love hearing the occasional “amens” and encouraging notes.

God Bless you this week as you walk hand-in-hand with Jesus.

David