Meeting in the Meadow, by Roy Lessin

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.

#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
Green Pastures. Quiet Waters. Righteous Paths.
meetinginthemeadow.com
BlessedDayCards.com

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

Monday, September 7, 2026

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 104

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 104
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

He causes the grass to grow for the cattle,
And vegetation for the service of man,
That he may bring forth food from the earth,
And wine that makes glad the heart of man,
Oil to make his face shine,
And bread which strengthens man’s heart (Psalm 104:14-15).

It was 1971 when I became one of the founders of DaySpring Cards. I retired in 2008. During those thirty-seven years I had the opportunity to help create many products that brought God’s heart to others—including cards, stationery, tracts, gift items, wall decor and books.

As the business grew, it became a bigger and bigger challenge to keep pace with the demand for new products. I began to feel the pressure to keep up with the schedule. When new product requests from marketing landed on my desk, I didn’t see them as new opportunities to get a message out, but as “more stuff” to do.

It was during this time that my Bible reading brought me to Psalm 104. When I came to verse 15 (wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face shine, And bread which strengthens man’s heart.”) it immediately got my attention!

As I pondered what was being said, I sensed the Lord speaking to my heart about my work attitude. In a very reassuring way, the Lord moved my focus away from numbers and deadlines, back to where my heart needed to be. I was reminded that the purpose behind starting our company was to make Christ known to our generation through the printed page, and to encourage, and comfort God’s people.

The spiritual significance of three key words in Verse 15 (wine, oil, and bread) made the difference in my life at that time…

WINE represents the joy and gladness the Holy Spirit brings to our spiritual lives.

OIL represents the radiant presence of the Lord upon our countenance.

BREAD represents the strength and nourishment of the Word of God as we receive it into our hearts.

These three words changed my whole perspective on the creative process. I stopped seeing product development as “more stuff”. Instead, each new product became an opportunity to create new wine, anointing oil, and fresh bread.

Insight: Whatever Kingdom work God calls you to do, there will always be opportunities to bring new wine to the thirsty, anointing oil to refresh the weary and fresh bread to feed needy hearts.