Meeting in the Meadow, by Roy Lessin

Friday, September 18, 2026

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 109

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 109
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Because he did not remember to show mercy,
But persecuted the poor and needy man,
That he might even slay the broken in heart.
I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me (Psalm 109:16,22).

The word “heart” is spoken of in a wide variety of ways in the Bible. It appears over 800 times from Genesis to Revelation and appears over 100 times in the book of Psalms. The word “heart” is used to point us to the spiritual center of who we are.

The heart can be impacted by many things, and we must guard and keep it with great care and diligence, for out of it come the deepest issues of life.

In Psalm 109:16 and 22 David tells us he has a wounded and broken heart. It is the deepest wound and greatest hurt anyone can carry. I once knew someone whose heart was broken, he thought he would never be able to smile again. Only the eyes of the Lord can see and understand the pain a broken heart can carry. Only the Lord knows how to bind up the wounds of a broken heart, bring healing, and restore hope.

Here are some other verses in the Psalms that tell us how our hearts can be impacted on our spiritual journey with the Lord.

*Psalm 4:4 “A Communing heart”—a heart that speaks and listens in intimate fellowship with the Lord.

*Psalm 7:10 “Upright in heart”—a heart that pursues the right direction for the right reason, to please the Lord.

*Psalm 13:5 “Rejoicing heart”—a heart that gets you spinning around with the joy of the Lord.

*Psalm 15:2 “Truth-filled heart”—a heart that carries the words of the Lord, so the mouth can speak the mind of the Lord.

*Psalm 16:9 “Glad heart”—a heart that brightens your countenance with the light of the Lord.

*Psalm 17:3 “Proved heart”—a heart that maintains regular wellness exams with the Lord.

*Psalm 19:14 “Meditating heart”—a heart that opens up the treasures of the Lord and delights in what’s being discovered.

*Psalm 24:24 “Pure heart”—a heart with strong filters that protects the unmixed flow of the Lord’s life-giving stream.

*Psalm 27:3 “Fear-free heart”—a heart that finds its shelter under the covering of the Lord’s wings.

*Psalm 27:8 “Seeking heart”—a heart that’s looking in all the right places to find the blessing and approval of the Lord.

*Psalm 27:14 “Strong heart”—a heart that receives its strength from the might of the Lord’s never diminishing supply.

*Psalm 28:7 “Trusting heart”—a heart that fully embraces the Lord’s promises because it recognizes and honors the character of the One who spoke them.

*Psalm 37:4 “Desirous heart”—a heart that receives what it asks for because it delights itself in the will of the Lord.

*Psalm 51:17 “Contrite heart”—a heart that is broken, yielded, and ready to follow the Lord’s freshest footsteps.

Psalm 86:11 “United heart”—a heart in agreement, in covenant relationship, in harmony, in step, in identity, joined together with the Lord to see His kingdom come and His will be done, in your life.

A Heart Prayer
Lord, here’s my heart, please take it and dwell there, making it Your home. Clean it and keep it pure, increasing my faith as you remove all doubt. May it be a place where grace and peace remain, where joy and gladness reside. And Holy Spirit, come like a dove—gently and tenderly, filling me with Your Fruit, that I may share Your gifts with all those who need to know Your love that they may, in their need, make their hearts Your home.
Amen.

Insight: The fact that our heart yearns for something Earth can't supply is proof that Heaven must be our home. -C.S. Lewis

Insight: What can you give God? As the Christmas song says, “I’ll give Him my heart.”…and we can also add the word, “completely”.

#psalms #devotional #devotion #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow
©2026 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

Restore, Renew and Refresh in the Psalms
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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 108

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 108
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Give us help from trouble,
For the help of man is useless.
Through God we will do valiantly,
For it is He who shall tread down our enemies (Psalm 108:12-13).

In Psalm 34:19 we are reminded that living a life that pleases the Lord doesn’t mean it pleases everyone. (Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all).

In John 16:33 Jesus tells us His presence brings peace within us, even though trials and sorrows are happening to us. (I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.)

In Psalm 108:12-13 we are once again reminded about the troubles we face in life. When we face trials, tests, troubles, or tribulations, it doesn’t mean there is something wrong with us. It means we have enemies. Our victory doesn’t come by avoiding, ignoring, or hiding from the enemies of life, it comes by overcoming them.

An overcoming life is not about how well equipped or prepared we are. It’s not about how many resources or friends we have, and it’s not about how clever we can be. An overcoming life is a life of faith and trust in the Lord. God is the only help that really matters!

Romans 8:31 asks us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” For those who are God’s enemies Romans 8:31 reads this way, “If God is against you, who can be for you?”

Psalm 108:12-13 says this to those who are God’s children, “There’s no need or reason to look around for some kind of help from someone or something you think is important, influential or powerful. It’s useless and a waste of time! Instead of overcoming, you will be overcome.” (Paraphrased).

There’s no need trying to outsmart or outrun our enemies, God will simply tread them down!

Our outcome against our enemies is not in question when God is in the battle. We will do it valiantly! Valiantly means “the force is with you”…God’s force!

The force of Him who raised Christ from the dead, who seated Him at His right hand, who gave Him the name above all names, and placed all things under His feet. Jesus. King of kings. Lord of lords. He shall reign forever…and you are in Him!

Insight: An overcoming life is possible because by faith we enter into Jesus’ victory, not our own victory.

Insight: Underachievers make great over-comers, because they have zero confidence in what they can accomplish in their flesh.

Monday, September 14, 2026

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 107

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 107
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness (Psalm 107:1-9).

A book about the Psalms gave Psalm 107 the title, God to the Rescue. Where would we be if God hadn’t rescued us? Andraé Crouch said it this way, “I don't know why Jesus loved me, I don't know why He cared, I don't know why He sacrificed his life, Oh, but I'm glad. I'm glad He did.”

God has redeemed us once (praise Jesus for His finished, redeeming work upon the cross), but God has rescued us so many times, from so many difficult situations.

Psalm 107 reminds us, over and over again, that God will not fail us. He does not forsake His own.

God rescued Israel from the hand of their enemy. He rescued them from their wandering and wilderness, their desolation and trouble, their distress and darkness, their bondage and affliction, their sickness and destructions…Now that’s a lot of rescuing!

May the lyrics in the following song be a comfort and encouragement to you…

God Will Not Fail You
-Roy Lessin

When you walk through a dark valley
No fear shall grip your soul.
When you’re climbing a steep mountain
His hand will not let go.

When you’re waiting for an answer
To a prayer in Jesus’s name
It soon will be granted to you—
You won’t be brought to shame.

There’s not a promise He’s ever broken
Nothings failed that He has said.
He will never forsake you,
Like the sparrow you’ll be fed.

God will not fail you
He will not leave you alone.
God will never fail you
He will not forsake His own.

When in a time of suffering
You’re seeking for His touch
His presence will not turn away—
He loves you much, too much.

When the pain of a great trial
Seems to tear your heart in two
His arms reach out in mercy
To sustain and comfort you.

There’s not a promise He’s ever broken
Nothings failed that He has said.
He will never forsake you
Like the sparrow you’ll be fed.

God will not fail you
He will not leave you alone.
God will never fail you
He will not forsake His own.

Insight: The same God who rescued Israel, will also rescue you. You don’t need to wait to call upon Him!

BONUS! Here is the song, God Will Not Fail You, lyrics by Roy Lessin. Music by Jonathan Urie. Vocals by Jonathan Urie and Elizabeth Jean. You can hear the finished song here: https://youtu.be/EdZIAfuNj9E?si=9Rs1Q3sCwV7_kneh

Friday, September 11, 2026

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 106

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 106
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can declare all His praise? Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does righteousness at all times! Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward Your people Oh, visit me with Your salvation, That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, That I may glory with Your inheritance. We have sinned with our fathers, We have committed iniquity, We have done wickedly. Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, But rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea.
Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, That He might make His mighty power known. He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up;
So He led them through the depths, As through the wilderness. He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy (Psalm 106:1-10).

In summing up Psalm 106, two things come to mind…

What happened to Israel (how they were treated by their enemies) mattered to God.

What happened to God (how He was treated by His people) didn’t matter to Israel.

Yet, even in Israel’s turning away from God, God’s love pursued and disciplined them, His goodness provided and cared for them, and His mercy forgave and restored them. How glorious are His ways with us!
As we think about our spiritual development and our daily walk with God, we need to see things from His point of view. As we do, His plan and purpose for our lives will become known, understood, and enjoyed as we seek to please Him.

Here are four common stages of spiritual development that commonly take place in a seeker’s life. The seeker in the following illustration is named “Earnest” (Earnest represents each of us)…

Stage one—ME/ME:
Earnest, like each of us, is born into the world with selfishness in his heart. He wants his own way and will sin to get it. Earnest is focused upon himself—his needs, his problems, his relationships, and his interests. The loudest sound within Earnest is “me”! “What about me” is his theme song—what about my dreams, my desires, my longings, my plans, my happiness, my future!” God’s answer to “me” in Earnest is Jesus.

Stage two—ME & JESUS:
One day, Earnest hears the Gospel, repents, receives Jesus as his Savior and is born again.
Earnest’s life is now about “me and Jesus!” Earnest is excited about all the good things Jesus is doing for him. Jesus is blessing him, answering his prayers, and helping him in so many ways.

Stage three—JESUS & ME:
Because Jesus is doing so much for Earnest:
Earnest wants to do more for Jesus. He wants to tell others about Jesus. Earnest becomes busy for Jesus. Earnest’s life is now about “Jesus and me.” Many people notice and celebrate Earnest’s ministry for Jesus.

Stage four—JESUS/JESUS:
Even though “Earnest’s ministry” is being celebrated by others, there is a disposition remaining within Earnest that needs to change.
The Holy Spirit begins drawing Earnest’s heart to a place much greater, much deeper, and much higher than “Jesus and me”. That place is, “Jesus, Jesus”.

Which stage best describes you?
Me, Me
Me and Jesus
Jesus and Me
Jesus, Jesus

“Jesus, Jesus” is where God wants each of our hearts to be! God’s will, God’s plan, and God’s purpose is that Jesus has the preeminence!
Jesus at the center of all things within us—Jesus’ life, Jesus’ love, Jesus’ presence, Jesus’ lordship, as He lives His life through us.

Paul said it this way in Galatians 2:20…
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Insight: The depth of our spiritual development is not based upon how long we’ve been a follower of Jesus, but on how complete our obedience and surrender is to His Lordship.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 105

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 105
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!
Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth (Psalm 105:1-5).

Our glorious, wonderful, marvelous God made you, loves you, cares for you, and provides for you.

Sing to Him, talk to Him, thank Him, call upon Him and make Him known.

One of the most meaningful ways to know Him and to make Him known is through His names. Each name of God will take you deeper into the knowledge of Him. His name is above all names!

The following is a list of God’s names that appear throughout the Psalms. Each name reveals a different aspect of His steadfast love for you.

My Rock
My Fortress
My Stronghold
My Deliverer
My Shield
My Glory
Lifter of My Head
My Sustainer
My Lover
My Covering
My Judge
My Bulwark
My Salvation
My Restorer
My Lord
My Cup
My Fountain of Life
My Upholder
My King
Mighty One
My God the Lord
My Strong Tower
My Mighty Rock
Father of Orphans
Protector of Widows
My Hope
My Trust
My Strong Refuge
My Teacher
My Guide
Holder of My Right Hand
My Savior
Apple of His Eye
My Strength
My God
My Refuge
Horn of My Salvation
My Support
My Light
My Shelter
My Redeemer
My Help
My Helper
My Forgiver
My Hiding Place
My Counselor
My Rescuer
My Keeper
My Buckler
My Portion
My Sun and Shield
My Father
My Dwelling Place
My Shadow
My Disciplinarian
My Consoler
Rock of My Salvation
Great God
Great King
My Maker
Mighty King
Lover of Justice
My Benefactor
Covenant Keeper
My Might
My Revealer
My Shade
My Strong Deliverer
My Liberator
—compiled by Kent Garborg.

Insight: To deepen your understanding of God’s names, consider the following:

-Read His names out loud.
-Memorize His names.
-Look up the meaning of each name using a Bible dictionary.

Insight: Knowing the names of God helps us to know His character qualities and attributes. By knowing what He is capable of helps us to know how to ask Him to assist us in day-to-day life! -Marina Bromley

#psalms #devotional #devotion #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

Restore, Renew and Refresh in the Psalms
Green Pastures. Quiet Waters. Righteous Paths.
meetinginthemeadow.com
BlessedDayCards.com