A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 114

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 114
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

When Israel went out of Egypt, The house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became His sanctuary, And Israel His dominion. The sea saw it and fled; Jordan turned back. The mountains skipped like rams, The little hills like lambs. What ails you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back? O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob, Who turned the rock into a pool of water, The flint into a fountain of waters (Psalm 114:1-8).
 
When God moves upon the natural world in a supernatural way, a God story is being written. Psalm 114 is a God story! It tells the powerful redeeming story of how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt and brought them into the promised land. 
 
In many ways, Israel’s story of redemption has similarities to the redemption story being written in the lives of believers in every generation. Nothing has greater power than the Gospel to redeem, save, and deliver us from the bondage of sin. The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”
 
My own life included many years of enslavement to sin, and the bondages sin created. Like Israel, I needed to be delivered and set free.

I was born into a Jewish family in the Bronx, New York. In 1948 my family moved to California. A short time later my parents separated. During that difficult time my dad decided to end his life. As odd as it seems, he thought he’d have one last fling in Las Vegas before ending it all.
 
After checking into his hotel he went to the casino to do some gambling. He quickly grew restless. While standing in front of a gambling table he heard a voice behind him saying, “You don’t belong here.” He turned around, but saw no one. He immediately left the casino and returned to his room. In the drawer by the nightstand he found a Bible. He became curious and started reading in the book of Genesis. He couldn’t put it down!

In the morning he checked out of the hotel with the Bible hidden in his suitcase. He changed his mind about ending his life, and continued reading the Bible whenever possible. A few months later, while reading the book of Isaiah, his eyes were opened to the truth that Jesus was his Messiah. His “God story” had begun!
 
My dad prayed for my salvation for ten years. On August 15, 1963 his prayers were answered!

On that day my dad had invited me over for dinner at his house. After dinner, our conversation turned to spiritual things. I had a lot of questions about the Bible and the Gospel. One by one he answered them. As he did, my heart was being drawn to Jesus. I wanted to respond in some way, but fear held me back. I decided to ask a few more questions.

Here are the questions I asked and the answers my dad gave me…
 
Question #1 
If I believe what you said is true, is that enough to be saved?
Answer #1
The Bible says, “To as many as receive Him, to them He gave power to become sons of God” (John 1:12). If you were dying of thirst in the desert and I handed you a glass of water, it wouldn’t help you if you believed it could save your life but didn’t drink it. In the same way, you must believe and receive Jesus into your life by faith.
 
Question #2 
Since that means a decision, I would like to think about it. Can I get back to you at another time?
Answer #2
The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation, now is the acceptable time” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Don’t put it off! 

 
Question #3 
What would my friends and family think if I did?
Answer #3 
The Bible says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5). You need to humble yourself before God.

 
After his last answer I knew I couldn’t put it off any longer. I needed to make a decision…
My dad and I knelt together by the couch in his living room and I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. When I stood to my feet I knew my life had changed. That night the Author and Finisher of my faith began writing a new “God story” upon the pages of my heart.
 
Insight: Nothing is more powerful than-
The power of the gospel to save,
The power of the blood to cleanse,
The power of the cross to deliver,
The power of the truth to free,
The power of the Lord to transform,
The power of the Spirit to make all things new!
 
Insight: I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit (Ephesians 3:16 NLT).

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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 113

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 113
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
Praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
From this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its going down,
The Lord’s name is to be praised.
The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high (Psalm 113:1-5).
 
 
Psalm 113 calls us to praise the NAME of the Lord. God is not an “it”. He is not a “what”. He is not a “that”. God is a person! He is knowable and He wants us to know Him in a personal way, in a loving way, and in a life-changing way. 
 
We will know more about WHO God is by knowing more about His name(s). There are an abundance of God’s names revealed to us in Scripture. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit each have their own personal names throughout the Bible. 
 
Here is a list of some of the names given in Scripture for each person in the Godhead. Read them, learn them, speak them, pray them, praise them!
 
God the Father
Adonai - LORD/MASTER - Isaiah 45:5
Yahweh - LORD - Genesis 15:1-2
El Shaddai – ALMIGHTY - Genesis 17:1
Elohim - LORD/GOD - Genesis 1:1
El Elton - GOD MOST HIGH - Genesis 14:18
Jehovah Jireh - THE LORD PROVIDES – Genesis 22:14
Jehovah Nissie- THE LORD MY BANNER - Exodus 17:15
Jehovah Shalom - THE LORD IS PEACE - Judges 6:24
El Hakadosh - THE HOLY GOD - Isaiah 5:16
Jehovah Rafa -THE LORD WHO HEALS.     Exodus 15:26
 
God the Son
Jesus - Salvation  Acts 4:12
True Light - John 1:9
Lamb of God - John 1:36
The Word - John 1:14
High Priest - Hebrews 4:14-15
Redeemer - John 10:17-18, Job 19:25
The Christ - Matthew 1:16
The Lord - Acts 16:31
Immanuel - Matthew 1:23
Alpha and Omega - Revelation 1:8

G  God the Holy Spirit
Wisdom and Understanding - He will help us see life from a kingdom point of view (Isaiah 11:2).
Comforter – He comes to our aid and brings God’s reassuring word (John 14:26).
Spirit of Adoption – He places us into God’s forever family (Romans 8:15).
Spirit of Christ – He imparts the life of Jesus into our hearts (Romans 8:9).
Eternal Spirit – He draws us to the things that last ever (Hebrews 9:14).
Spirit of God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, created all things (Genesis 1:2).
Spirit of Grace – He strengthens and blesses us with God’s unmerited favor (Hebrews 10:29).
Spirit of Holiness – He works in us in ways that bring no sorrows or regrets (Romans 1:4).
Spirit of Life – He is the only one who can make everlasting changes within us (Romans 8:2).
Spirit of Truth – He is our guarantee that we will never hear a lie or be misled as we walk in the Spirit (John 14:17).
 
Seven symbolic names of the Holy Spirit
1.     Oil
2.     Dove
3.     Fire
4.     Water
5.     Wind
6.     River
7.     Dew
 
Insight: Praise to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—We have too much going for us to ever give up on anything or anyone!

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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 112

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 112
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who delights greatly in His commandments.
His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches will be in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man deals graciously and lends;
He will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.
He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor. The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish (Psalm 112:1-10).
 
In Psalm 112 we find our attention being drawn to the characteristics, the blessings, and the benefits that come from an upright life. Upright people are the people of God. Their lives bring a multitude of good things to their children, their families, their generation, and generations to come.
 
The upright are clothed in God’s righteousness, walk in God’s ways, seek God’s heart, and pursue the things concerning God’s kingdom.
The upright carry a deep respect and a holy awe for the Lord, and seek to honor His name. They embrace God’s Word, and delight in knowing and doing His will.
 
One of the strongest CHARACTERistics of the upright is their character. It is the character God is working within them as He conforms them to the image of His Son.
 
Here are nine character qualities being formed within the life of the upright…
 
C- Caring
Our Heavenly Father cares for us and He will teach us how to care for others. The hearts of others will respond to the upright, not because of how much the upright know, but because of how much they care.
 
H- Helpfulness
The Holy Spirit is our Helper. He will teach us how to help others in practical expressions of love, and He will open our eyes to the needs of others. He will use us, not because of our ability, but because of our availability.
 
A- Alertness
God will work within us an awareness of what is going on around us. He will also show us how to respond and when to respond. We will be spiritually awake, knowing how to take action both in prayer and in deed.
 
R- Responsive
Foremost, God teaches us how to respond to Him when He speaks to us about serving Him. It is important for us to be good listeners. As we learn God’s voice we will know when to say “yes” and when to say “no”, when to speak and when to be quiet, when to go and when to remain.
 
A- Attentive
How troubling it would be if God failed to listen to us when we pray. The Holy Spirit will teach us how to be good listeners. We can’t do what’s needed if we’re not paying attention to what’s being said.
 
C- Cautious
“Be still and know that I am God” shows the importance of a quiet spirit. God doesn’t want us “jumping into things”, being hasty, or living by our impulses. He will work within us the quality of patient endurance.
 
T- Truthful
We put our trust in God because God is true, what He does is true, and what He says is true. God is working in us to be witnesses to the truth in how we live, in what we do, and in what we say. The upright will speak the truth in love, be wise in their words, and to be committed to our promises.
 
E- Endurance
There are many things we cannot ignore and need to endure, including hardships and difficulties. Our lives are about “being” not “fleeing”. We need to be in God’s place, in God’s time, doing God’s will, in God’s way. We need to press in and press on in God’s purposes and plans for our lives and not draw back.
 
R- Responsible
Responsibility means accountability to God alone. What we do, we do as unto the Lord, because of the Lord, and through the Lord. We do it for His glory. We do what’s right because it is the most loving thing to do. We need only to please Him. We need no other reason. We live and move, and have our being for an audience of one.
 
Insight: Godly character is not a spiritual gift we receive by faith, but a righteous work of God’s grace within us that is developed through our submission and obedience to Him. An upright life is one that is working out what God is working within.

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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 111

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 111
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Praise the Lord!
I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious, And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
He has declared to His people the power of His works, In giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness.
He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever (Psalm 111:1-10).
 
Throughout Scripture the works of the Lord are proclaimed. From creation to redemption, God’s works continue to be marvelous in our sight. His works are manifestations of His greatness. His works are glorious and awesome wonders! 
 
God is the only TRUE Creator. All creativity comes from Him. He is the only Originator, the only One who can make something from nothing. The rest of us are creative borrowers, users and stewards of His originality. We are creative because we have a Creator. How blessed we are to be made in His image.
 
God put within us the imagination, innovation and talents needed to be creative. Everyone has a measure of creativity. He also put around us a vast amount of resources to help develop our creativity and become skilled craftsmen. 
 
All creativity can be used in a kingdom way when it is yielded to God and used for His glory. If someone is not an artist, writer, or a musician it doesn’t mean that person is not creative. Homemaker’s, for example, can express their creativity through decorating, baking, or crafts. 
 
True freedom of creativity is found in the Creator’s leadership. -Dorothy Farrell
 
One of my most creative breakthrough moments came many years after I started writing greeting cards. At the time, I was sitting alone in my office, questioning if I could still create fresh concepts and new greeting card messages.
 
My answer came through a Scripture passage and the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. I don’t recall the exact reference, but it was similar to Isaiah 45:18…For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no other (Isaiah 45:18 NKJV).

It amazed me when I realized I could trust the Creator of all things as my creative provider. No one could have a greater resource than His Spirit, and no one could have a greater message than the truth of His Word. It brought me great creative freedom to know that God’s creative river would never run dry.
 
I have to kneel before the Father, put my ear against His chest, and listen, without interruption, to the heartbeat of God. Then and only then, can I say carefully and very gently what I hear. -Nauwen
 
Insight: Put some clay into a potter’s hands and a multitude of objects can be made. Put nothing into God’s hands, and He can make both the clay and the potter.

#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 110

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 110
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow
The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth. The Lord has sworn And will not relent, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:1-4).
 
Psalm 110 is known as “The Messiah’s Psalm” This Psalm is referenced over 25 times in the New Testament. David Guzik, in his study on Psalm 110, brings these New Testament verses to our attention:

• Jesus quoted it in Matthew 22:43-45 (also Mark 12:36-37), showing how David called the Messiah “Lord” — recognizing that the Messiah was greater than David himself.

• Peter quoted it on Pentecost, explaining how David prophesied the deity and ascension of Jesus (Acts 2:34-35).

• Paul referred to it in 1 Corinthians 15:25, explaining the rule and dominion of Jesus the Messiah.

• The author of Hebrews quotes it in Hebrews 1:13, referring to the superiority of Jesus the Messiah over any angel.

• The author of Hebrews referred to it in Hebrews 10:13, explaining the rule and dominion of Jesus the Messiah.

How amazing it is to realize that David knew Jesus before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. David knew Jesus as his Lord and his King long before John, in the book of Revelation, proclaimed Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
 
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called...True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war (Revelation 19:11 NKJV).
 
Scripture assures us that Jesus Christ is completely true. His words are not idealistic but realistic. He wants the words that He speaks to us to lead us to faith, not to make-believe.
 
Jesus is true in His words; everything He said can be counted upon.
 
Jesus is true in His motives; everything He does is for a right and good reason. There is no falsehood or deceit in Him.
 
Jesus would never trick someone, con them into believing a lie, playact, or speak about fiction as though it were fact. Jesus is 100% genuine.
 
Jesus is true in His promises, true in His character, and true in His attitudes. He is true in His faithfulness, true in His kindness, and true in His love. His healing is true, His forgiveness is true, His mercy is true, His compassion is true. He is also true in all His judgments. No matter which way you observe Him, everything about Him is true and bears witness to the truth.
 
Insight: Jesus, our Messiah, is God’s eternal Truth throughout Scripture. His Truth will always remain our solid rock to stand upon, because the Truth never becomes untrue!

#psalms #devotional #devotion #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow
©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 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”.

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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 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.
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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 

#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

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.

#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

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

©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

 

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.

#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

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 103

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 103
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagles (Psalm 103:1-5).
 
 
If you’re looking for spiritual treasures in God’s Word, you can consider Psalm 103 a goldmine! This Psalm gathers the wonders of God’s goodness and deposits them within our hearts like golden nuggets of joy. The generosity of His goodness is overwhelming! 
 
In the first five verses alone the following seven benefits are revealed:
*Forgiveness of all sins.
*Healing of all diseases.
*Redemption from destruction.
*Crowned with lovingkindness.
*Crowned with tender mercies
*Satisfied with good things.
*Renewed like the eagles.
 
As a young believer, someone shared with me God’s benefits found in Psalm 103. The third verse became one of my favorite promises and proclamations in the Bible. Throughout the years my faith has been strengthened, my hope has been renewed, and my heart has been comforted because of this amazing passage of Scripture.
 
Why do we ask God to forgive us when we have sinned? Because God is merciful. God forgives because His Hebrew name is Yahweh Hessed, meaning God of forgiveness.
 
Why do we ask God for healing when we are sick? Because God is all-powerful. God heals because His Hebrew name is Yahweh Rapha, meaning the Lord who heals. 
 
Some look around, see the heartaches of life and ask, “How can there be a loving God?"

My question about life is the opposite…
When I look around and see the sin, selfishness, and rebellion against God that is in the human heart, I ask, “How can there be so much goodness, blessing, compassion and care? How can there be grace, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness? How can there be salvation, hope, and love?"

In the light of my questions here is what I have come to see…
 
In heartache, I see a Healer.
In sorrow, I see a Comforter.
In darkness, I see a Light.
In suffering, I see a Burden Bearer.
In discouragement, I see a Lifter of our heads.
In need, I see an Intercessor.
In want, I see a Shepherd.
In loneliness, I see an unfailing Friend.
In grieving, I see the One who wipes away tears.
In death, I see the One who is the Resurrection and the Life!
 
Insight: Our hearts are not made to figure things out and come up with the answer to every question. Our hearts are made to turn to God and put our trust in Him. He may not give us the answer to every question we have, but He will meet every need we have.

#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