A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 88

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 88
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

O Lord, God of my salvation,
I have cried out day and night before You (Psalm 88:1).
 

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going” is a popular self-help saying that falls far short of what God has provided for us through His salvation.

Our soul cannot save our soul. Our flesh cannot deliver us from its own weakness. Our own will, no matter how strong or determined it may be, cannot bring us out of bondage and into spiritual freedom.
 
Psalm 88 is filled with many struggles and troubles of the soul. The cry of the psalmist in verse one is a cry to the Lord. The psalmist did not say to himself “I got this!” He is placing no confidence in himself, in a slogan, in a “higher power”, or in a ten-step plan.
 
There is only one answer for the troubled soul, one hope for the hopeless, and one security for the insecure. It is God’s salvation! Salvation is a God word, declaring God’s full provision for every troubled soul. Salvation is God’s pathway home for the lost, God’s healing for the broken hearted, and God’s freedom for all who are enslaved by sin.
 
Salvation frees us from the guilt of the past, gives us a purpose for the present, and brings hope for our future. Salvation is only possible because of God’s mercy and grace. No one can save themselves. Salvation is God’s free gift through Jesus Christ.
 
Salvation becomes ours when we receive it, not perceive it. It is a gift not a merit. It is perfect and doesn’t need improvement. It is complete and needs nothing added to it. Jesus is God’s only option, there is no other way.
 
Insight: God isn’t an auctioneer; salvation doesn’t go to the highest bidder. 
God isn’t a negotiator; salvation doesn’t go to those looking for a deal.
God isn’t a retailer; salvation doesn’t go to the most loyal customers. 
God isn’t a financier; salvation doesn’t go to those who invest. 
God is a GIVER; salvation goes to those who receive the gift of His Son.
 
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (John 1:12 NKJV).

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©2026 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.
 
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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 87

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 87
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

His foundation is in the holy mountains. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! Selah
“I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’ ”And of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her; And the Most High Himself shall establish her.” The Lord will record, When He registers the peoples: “This one was born there.” Selah. Both the singers and the players on instruments say, “All my springs are in you" (Psalm 87:1-7).
 
The focus of Psalm 87 is upon the city of Jerusalem (Zion). It stands out above all places upon the earth. It is the only city where God has chosen to put His name (1 Kings 14:21).
 
Here are some of the things that set Jerusalem apart from other cities:
*Its mountains are called holy.
*The Lord loves its gates more than any other place in Israel. 
*It’s spoken of in glorious terms.
*It’s called God’s city.
*It’s an honor to be born there.
*It’s a city of celebration to the Lord.
 
Why is Jerusalem—the city of peace—so important to every member of the body of Christ, both Jew and Gentile? Because Jerusalem is identified in Scripture as the place where God's plan of redemption will be fully completed in every detail, down to the last prophecy. 
 
It was here…
*Abraham offered Isaac.
*The capital of David’s kingdom was established.
*The Feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles were celebrated each year.
*The Temple was built, restored and rededicated.
*Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.
*Jesus ascended to the Father, and where the Holy Spirit was poured out after Jesus’ ascension.
*Jesus will one day return to earth and reign for a thousand years. 
 
Psalm 87 ends with a proclamation we can all rejoice in, “All my springs are in you.” The springs of joy and celebration flow from the springs of Salvation and Living Water that are within us through the presence of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Insight: The Spirit-filled life is joy-filled. That doesn’t mean we are free of hardships and difficulties. It means that the springs of joy within us flow deeper, from a source that is beyond ourselves.

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©2026 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.
 
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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 86

 A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 86

-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me; For I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You! Be merciful to me, O Lord, For I cry to You all day long. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me. Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works. All nations whom You have made Shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. O God, the proud have risen against me, And a mob of violent men have sought my life, And have not set You before them. But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant, And save the son of Your maidservant.
Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me (Psalm 86:1-17).
 
 
Within Psalm 86 are the main building blocks for personal supplications. Let’s take a closer look...
 
The Need(s)
I am poor.
I am needy.
 
The Request(s)
Lord, bow down Your ear.
Hear me.
Preserve my life.
Save me.
Be merciful to me.
I cry to you all day long.
Rejoice my soul.
I lift up my soul.
Attend to my supplications.
I call upon you.
Teach me Your way.
Unite my heart to fear your name.
Turn to me, have mercy on me.
Give me your strength.
Save (me) as you did my mother, who served You.
Show me a sign for good (verse 16).
 
The Provider
The Lord, God.
 
The Relationship
You are my God.
I am your servant.
I trust in You.
You are good.
You are ready to forgive.
You are abundant in mercy.
You will answer me.
There is none like You.
There are no works like Your works.
You are great.
You do wondrous things.
You alone are God.
I will walk in your Truth.
I will praise You with all my heart.
I will glorify Your name forevermore.
Your mercy is great toward me.
You have delivered my soul.
You are full of compassion and graciousness, long-suffering and abundant in mercy and truth.
You have helped me and comforted me.
 
The above category “The Relationship” is not at the bottom of this list because it is the least significant category in Psalm 86, but because it is the most significant. It contains the greatest number of references in the Psalm and is the building block upon which the other three categories are anchored.
 
Insight: Faith-spoken, heart-trusting supplications flow out of the love-building relationship we have with God. We come boldly to Him with our needs because we are confident He hears and He cares.

#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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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 85

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 85
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

I will hear what God the Lord will speak,
For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints;

But let them not turn back to folly.
Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,

That glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth have met together;

Righteousness and peace have kissed (Psalm 85:8-10).

What a welcoming word peace is!

Peace is spoken of twice in verses 8-10 in Psalm 85. In verse 8 Peace is used to help us identify God’s voice in our lives. In verse 10 Peace is used to help us recognize the moral environment where peace abides.
 
The Hebrew word for Peace is Shalom. Shalom is much more than a social greeting—it is a prayer, a blessing, a deep desire, and a benediction. It is packed with the full blessing of God. It has many significant meanings throughout the Scriptures. The Blessing of Shalom written below is a compilation of those significant meanings.
 
THE BLESSING OF SHALOM—A Benediction
 
May you be whole in body, soul, and spirit as a result of being in harmony with God's will and purpose for your life.
 
May His peace be your covering, may your heart know His fullness, and by His mighty power may you know victory over every enemy.
 
May He bring to pass the deepest desires of your heart.
 
May you know the healing power of His presence, and the restoration of every broken relationship.

Through His sufficiency, may every need you face be met by His limitless resources.
 
May His covenant promises be fulfilled in your life and in your family.
 
May He bring you the greatest measure of contentment, and the deepest satisfaction that your heart can possibly know through Jesus Christ.
SHALOM!
 
Insight: Shalom (Peace) is a name of God. He is called Jehovah-Shalom (Judges 6:24). To walk with God is to have constant companionship with Peace.

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©2026 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.
 
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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 84, Part 2

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 84, Part 2
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You! (Psalm 84:11-12).
 
As a young believer I was encouraged by a friend to read Psalm 84:11-12. This promise, “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” immediately jumped off the page and into my heart.

As I grew in the Lord, this verse became a pillar for my faith to build upon, and a guarantee I could count upon. It created within me a certainty that I could fully put my trust in the Lord for my moment by moment needs and for my future.
 
There are many treasures of truth for us to discover in verse 11-12 of Psalm 84. Consider the following:
 
3 reasons why we can put our trust in the promises of God, and in the God of the promises…

• They ARE God’s promises. No one made them up.

• God CANNOT lie. Everything He says is truthful.

• God has EVERY resource available to fulfill every promise He has spoken.

 
4 things we learn about the God who has given us these promises…

• He is a Sun. He shines a spotlight upon what He has said. Nothing is covered with doubts or darkness. His promises are spoken so we CAN know them, RECEIVE them, and EXPERIENCE them.

• He is a Shield. He guards His word against every enemy that attempts to rob, to distort, or to hinder you from trusting what He has promised.

• He is a Giver. God delights in caring for His children and blessing them.

• He ONLY gives what is good. He gives good gifts, that bring good outcomes, for every good reason.

 
3 things God gives us…
He gives GRACE. His gifts and giving freely flow to us from the living water of the Holy Spirit.
He gives GLORY. When His glory shines upon us we carry His glow upon our countenance.
He gives BLESSING. God loves blessing you, His goodness wouldn’t have it any other way.
 
And what should our response be to such gracious generosity? 
*Continue to trust Him. Never stop trusting Him because He will never stop being faithful.
*Walk rightly—When we walk with Him, in Him, and for Him we will keep ourselves from walking wrongly.
 
The Lord has both grace and glory in infinite abundance; Jesus is the fulness of both, and, as his chosen people, we shall receive both as a free gift from the God of our salvation. What more can the Lord give, or we receive, or desire. No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Grace makes us walk uprightly and this secures every covenant blessing to us. What a wide promise! Some apparent good may be withheld, but no real good, no, not one. "All things are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." —Spurgeon 
 
Insight: If it’s wrong for you, God will withhold it from you. Thank God!

#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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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 84, Part 1

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 84, Part 1
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Reading through the Psalms is like traveling through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The Rockies are one of the most popular places to live, travel, and vacation. Driving through the Rockies is spectacular! It seems like there’s something new around every curve. It can be breathtaking to see the towering mountain peaks, the deep valleys, the lush landscapes, and the sparkling mountain streams. And then, there are those special places where you want to pullover and park, put down a blanket, and linger for a while as you drink in the wonder of it all…Psalm 84 is one of those lingering places for me. I hope it will be that way for you.
 
The setup of Psalm 84 will be different from the other Psalms we’ve visited together. Instead of the Psalm being the starting point of our devotional, it will be the ending point. Instead of me writing the “insight” portion of the Psalm, I would like you to write it. Here’s how with two simple steps:
 
Step 1– Sometime today or tomorrow find a quiet time and place to slowly read and meditate upon Psalm 84.
 
Step 2–Write down your answers to the five questions below that are at the end of the Psalm.
 
(Please note…in this posting you will be reading Psalm 84 in the Amplified Translation of the Bible)
 
Psalm 84
How lovely are Your dwelling places,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul (my life, my inner self) longs for and greatly desires the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
The bird has found a house,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—
Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God.
Blessed and greatly favored are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence;
They will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah.
Blessed and greatly favored is the man whose strength is in You,
In whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Passing through the Valley of Weeping (Baca), they make it a place of springs;
The early rain also covers it with blessings.
They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power];
Each of them appears before God in Zion.
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Listen, O God of Jacob! Selah.
See our shield, O God,
And look at the face of Your anointed [the king as Your representative].
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [anywhere else];
I would rather stand [as a doorkeeper] at the threshold of the house of my God
Than to live [at ease] in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord bestows grace and favor and honor;
No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts,
How blessed and greatly favored is the man who trusts in You [believing in You, relying on You, and committing himself to You with confident hope and expectation] (Psalm 84:1-12 AMP).
 
Question #1
What does this Psalm teach me about God’s presence?
 
Question #2
What spiritual benefits will I receive from the Lord as I live in His presence?
 
Question #3
What promises are there that I can put my trust in?
 
Question #4
What does it mean to trust in the Lord?
 
Question #5
Which verse in Psalm 84 would I like to memorize?

#psalms #devotional #devotion #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow

©2026 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by April Mullen. Used with permission, all rights reserved.
 
Restore, Renew and Refresh in the Psalms
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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 83

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 83
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

(God’s enemies) have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”
For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You (Psalm 83:4-5, 18).
 
In Psalm 83 we read of conflicts that happened to Israel thousands of years ago that sound like the news headlines of today. It is clear that throughout the entire Bible, from Adam and Eve to the final chapters of the book of Revelation, there has been a battle going on. Enemies of God, His people, and His kingdom are present in every generation.
 
When we experience spiritual warfare as believers we need to be aware that the attacks of the enemy are more against God than they are against us. It is God’s name the enemy wants to slander, it is God’s work the enemy wants to destroy, it is God’s justice the enemy wants to accuse, it is God’s promises the enemy wants to discredit, it is God’s power the enemy wants to weaken, it is God’s character the enemy wants to smear, and it is God’s people the enemy wants to destroy.
 
The ending verse of Psalm 83 ends with a powerful affirmation of God’s glory and His majesty over all things…That they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord, Are the Most High over all the earth (Verse 18).
 
This Scripture helps to calm our souls, strengthen our resolve, focus our prayers, build our faith, resist the enemy and fight the good fight of faith. God’s name is the name above all names.
 
All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all!
-Edward Perronet
 
Insight: Here are a few reassuring, triumphant verses from Revelation 19 that pertain to the final outcomes of spiritual warfare…
And from the throne came a voice that said,
“Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear him, from the least to the greatest.”
Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder:
“Praise the Lord!
For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.
Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war…From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.
On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords (Rev 19 NLT).

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©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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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 82

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 82
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

God stands in the congregation of the mighty;
He judges among the gods (judges)
How long will you judge unjustly,
And show partiality to the wicked?
Defend the poor and fatherless;
Do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy;
Free them from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 82:1-4).
 
Psalm 82 puts the spotlight on judges, those who are in a position of authority over others and make decisions that can impact their lives and futures. Psalm 82 also makes it clear that God is the Judge of all judges, and holds each one responsible and accountable to be fair, true, honest, impartial and righteous in their decisions.

We know that judges are not the only people who have authority over others and can make decisions that will influence or impact their lives and futures. Parents carry that responsibility, so do employers, bosses, executives, ministers, politicians, and teachers.

Each of us, as God’s child, has a God given place in His will, in His kingdom and for His glory. We may be in a place of authority, or under authority but we are all under God’s authority and can function in a way that pleases Him.
 
A prayer as you take your God-given place…

Lord, you are my hiding place, my dwelling place, my safe place, my secret place, my holy place, and my balanced place. Continue to teach me and instruct me to know Your perfect place for me in every choice I make, in every action I take, and in every word I speak.

RAISE UP A BARRIER to hinder me if I am pursuing a place you have not chosen for me;

BRING YOUR WISDOM to me if I am not understanding something about Your ways that needs clarity;

DRY UP ANY POOL I am drinking from that is not being fed by Your river; slow me down if I am going after something that is premature in Your plan for me;

TURN ME FROM ANY CONFIDENCE I am placing in anyone or anything that is taking my eyes off of You.

LORD, KEEP MY HEART FROM COVETING the place you have given others, and guard my heart from envying the ways You are using others. Help me to set my expectations upon You, and not upon the way I think things should be or want them to be.

LORD, SETTLE ME AND HELP ME take my place—not to run from it, or hide from it; not to fear it, or dread it; not to strive in it, or be anxious about it. Help me daily to know the contentment and the joy of serving You in Your appointed place.
Amen
 
 
Insight: The simplest way to function as a person who is under authority is to please the One who has all authority in heaven and on earth. His approval is all that’s needed.

#psalms #devotional #devotion #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow #Godgivenplace

©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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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 81

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 81
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

But My people would not heed My voice,
And Israel would have none of Me.
So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart,
To walk in their own counsels.
Oh, that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!
I would soon subdue their enemies,
And turn My hand against their adversaries (Psalm 81:11-14).
 
Not everything that happens in someone’s life is God’s will for them. Psalm 81 is a reminder that we can miss out on what God has in His heart for us. Some never start the journey of following the Lord, some lose interest and hold back, and some begin but later walk away. When this happens, God takes no pleasure in it (read verse 13). It breaks His heart!  Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they missed what God had for them. 
 
God Will Make a Way for You
 
If you seek and commit to walk God’s way, God will make a way for you. He is the Way-Maker!

Quiet your heart before Him and pray this prayer:

Lord, I will follow You as You go before me and prepare the way for what is ahead in Your plan. I know that You will see to every detail so that what needs to be done will already be done before I arrive...the path revealed, the direction confirmed, the way established.
 
I trust in You to unlock the doors that need to be opened, loosen the things that need to be untied, and remove the hindrances that need to be taken away.
 
I ask You to provide for all that is needed as I walk along your appointed path. Open my eyes to see the way You are leading, give me the understanding to take the right steps, strengthen me with the patience to move at the right pace and work within my words and actions to say and do things in the right way.
 
I trust in You to do what no one else can do, to work in ways that no one else can work and to do the wonders that no one else can perform. Lord, I thank You that You will make a way!
Amen
 
Insight: Perhaps God’s longing cry of “Oh” spoken in verse 13 echoed through the deepest and furthest chambers of the universe.
 
Insight: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV).

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©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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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 80

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 80
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock (Psalm 80:1).
 
Someone once asked me, “Based upon Scripture, what is my favorite name of God?” Yes, it was hard to decide. It came down to two. Both names had to do with my relationship with God. The first was the name “Father”. The name “Shepherd” was a close second.
 
In Psalm 80, the psalmist immediately calls upon the Lord as the “Shepherd of Israel”. Calling God “Shepherd” doesn’t mean much unless you’re a sheep. A wolf doesn’t need a shepherd!
 
Here are three main reasons why sheep need a shepherd:

• Sheep stand no chance against an enemy. The only shield they can stand behind is the rod of a shepherd.
• Sheep have no internal GPS. When they get lost, they are lost. Their shepherd needs to be out front leading them, not lagging behind at the back of the flock.
• Sheep are very emotional and insecure. Yelling at the top of your lungs may work for a cowboy herding cattle, but sheep need to hear the reassuring voice of their shepherd.

 
Since the Lord is our perfect Shepherd, and we are His needy sheep, here are a few prayers we can pray:
 
Lord,
You are a speaking Shepherd. I love the sound of Your voice. I love Your words. I love Your tone. I love the things I hear that come from Your heart. I am listening. I am ready to follow.
 
And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice (John 10:4).

Lord,
Your name is Chief Shepherd, You are in control…when I try to be, things can quickly unravel. Thank You for the security that comes when I take things out of my hands and place them into Yours. You run things so well!

The LORD is my shepherd (Psalm 23:1).
 
Lord,
Thank You for feeding me. I’ve never followed You anywhere and ended up eating sand…even if I were in a desert place, I know I would find Your stream, and it would bring me to green pastures.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures ( Psalm 23:2).
 
Lord,
We are on a steep climb today…thank You for the resting places You prepare along the way. In these quiet moments, as I wait upon You,
Restore my soul.

He restores my soul (Psalm 23:3).
 
Insight: Because the Lord calls us His sheep, He knows how needy we are and how dependent we are upon Him. He wouldn’t want it any other way!

#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

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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 79

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 79
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Oh, do not remember former iniquities against us! Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, For we have been brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation, For the glory of Your name; And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, For Your name’s sake! (Psalm 79:8-9)
 
As we journey together through the Psalms we are often brought back to the problem of sin, rebellion, and unbelief within the lives of God’s people. Psalm 79 is one of those Psalms. It is a powerful reminder that sin is a big deal! So is mercy! So is atonement!
 
Sinners need God’s help, God’s salvation, and God’s deliverance. Truly, if God didn’t love us first, we would all be miserable, hopeless, and still lost in our sin.
 
Here are a few insights regarding sin that we should tuck away in our hearts:
 
Sin uses three pathways of temptation to try to enter our minds and influence our choices:

• The first pathway is “To do things”.

• The second pathway is “To have things”.

• The third pathway is “To be things”.

 
1 John 2:16-17 presents these three pathways in the following way…
 
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh (to do things), the lust of the eyes (to have things), and the pride of life (to be things)—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (emphasis added).
 
Jesus faced these three temptations in the wilderness, but He never yielded to them and did not sin (Matthew 4:1-11).
 
Being tempted is not sinful, however, saying “yes” to temptation is sinful. Temptation wants to lure us away into sin by having us do things for the wrong reason, by having us get things in the wrong way, or by having us be things to please ourselves instead of pleasing God.
 
We do not need to be anxious or worried about missing out on something good or important in our lives when we put our trust in the Lord. He is our Father and He cares for His children.
 
God will direct us to do many good things that will bless us and help others, but He will not bless disobedience. 
God will meet our needs and faithfully provide for us, but He will not meet the wants of covetousness.
God will give us favor and use our lives in ways that will bring Him glory, but He will not honor pride.
 
Insight: "The only sin Jesus ever had was ours, and the only righteousness we can ever have is His.” A.W. Tozer
 
Insight: Sin within the human heart is the disposition to have our own way; Salvation within the human heart is the disposition to have God’s will be done in our lives.
 
Insight: “The main reason people reject the gospel 
is not an intellectual one, but a moral one”.
—unknown

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©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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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 78

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 78
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

He also chose David His servant, And took him from the sheepfolds;
From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance. So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands (Psalm 78:70-72).
 
Psalm 78 takes us on a sad journey. It reminds of the failures of the human heart in contrast to the faithfulness of God’s heart. God had a plan, a purpose, a path, and a place for His people, but they rebelled, resisted, and refused to readily follow Him and possess their God appointed place.
 
There is a place for you, a God given place. He wants you to be in that place, function in that place, and delight in that place. In fact, in the Lord, you wouldn’t want to be in any other place. It’s a place where you don’t need to strive, but a place where you will thrive.
 
Keep this prayer close to your heart as you follow your Shepherd…
 
Lord, you are my dwelling place, my safe place, my balanced place. Continue to teach and instruct me to know Your place in every choice I make, and in every action I take.

Raise Up a Barrier to hinder me if I am pursuing a place You have not chosen for me;
Bring Your Wisdom to me if I am not understanding something about Your will that needs clarity;
Dry Up Any Stream I am drinking from that is not being fed by Your river. Slow me down if I am going after something that is premature in Your plan for me;
Turn Me from Any Confidence I am placing in anyone or anything that is taking my eyes off of You;
Keep My Heart from Coveting the place You have to others, and guard heart from envying the ways You are using others. Help me to set my expectations upon You, and not upon the way I think things should be or want them to be;
Settle Me and Help Me take my place—not to run from it, hide from it, fear it, or dread it; not to strive in it, or be anxious about it. Help me daily to know the contentment and the joy of serving You in my God-Given place!
 
Insight: Sheep don’t get “all worked up” over where the shepherd is leading them.

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©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.

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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 77

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 77
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

I will remember the works of the Lord;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will also meditate on all Your work,
And talk of Your deeds.

Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary;
Who is so great a God as our God?
You are the God who does wonders;
You have declared Your strength among the peoples.
You have with Your arm redeemed Your people (Psalm 77:11-15).
 
Psalm 77 is filled with questions about God. Here’s the short list…
Will the Lord cast us off?
Will He stop showing His favor?
Will His mercy cease?
Have His promises failed?
Will He forget to be gracious?
 
Thankfully, the psalmist had a good memory and was able to find his way back to God’s faithfulness, to the greatness of His power, and to the depth of His character.
 
When questions, doubts, or uncertainties begin to attack your faith, trouble your spirit, or cloud your thoughts about God’s nature and character, let this prayer help to settle you in your God-given place in Christ:
 
In my seeing, be my sight;
In my knowing, be the light.
In my listening, be what’s heard;
In my speaking, be the word.
 
In my building, be the stone;
In my living, be my home.
In my praying, be the prayer;
In my helping, be the care.
 
In my seeking, be the prize;
In my thinking, be what’s wise.
In my warfare, be the sword;
In my serving, be the Lord.
 
Insight: In reality, when God said “I Am,” He was giving us the best answer to every question we have about who God is.

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©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.

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A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 76

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 76
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel (Psalm 76:1).
 
The most amazing, wonderful news about verse one in Psalm 76 is that God is knowable! Think about it, He knows you and you can know Him, personally.
 
I am familiar with many celebrities in music, in film and in sports. Sorry to say, that even though I’ve seen some of them perform in person, I’ve never met them. There are a few celebrities that I have met and been acquainted with because of a business relationship. There is one celebrity, however, that I know personally. He was a very popular TV star, but I knew him as a friend. He would come to our home to visit, and we would visit him in his home. The more we got to know each other, the more we enjoyed each other’s company.
 
In the first verse of Psalm 76 we find two different ways God can be recognized among His people…
One is recognizing God’s greatness.
The other is knowing God’s presence.

Here is how these two ways differ:
 
Recognizing God’s Greatness-
Aware of God’s acts.
Being in awe of what God does.
Giving God deepest respect.
Delighting in God’s power.
Learning God’s importance.
 
Knowing God’s Presence-
Aware of God’s ways.
Being in awe of who God is.
Giving God highest honor.
Delighting in God’s fellowship.
Learning God’s heart.
 
Hannah W. Smith, the author of the classic bestselling book Christian Secret of a Happy Life, had this said about her relationship with God…
“Hannah saw the goodness of God, took in the wonder of His Fatherhood, understood that He is magnificent enough to turn all the evil that arrows into the lives of His children into utter good if we but place all circumstances into His tender hands. Truths about the character of God himself settled like unshakable stones at the bottom of her soul.”
 
Insight: a prayer for you…”Lord, help me to see Your goodness more clearly, to take in more fully the wonder of your Fatherhood, and to understand more deeply how You turn all that comes against me into utter good. Help me to place all circumstances into your tender hands.” Amen.

#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