We learn that prayer requires devotion and humility. Then, we understand that we need to be grounded in scripture and imbibe it as equal to our daily bread. Therefore, if we want to be effective disciples, we must start with devotion to prayer and scripture.
Stories play a fundamental role in our lives by reminding us of who we are and connecting us to those around us. These stories often don’t go the way we planned (or would like) but if we stop in the middle we might miss an amazing ending.
If your happiness is based on earthly things, you will be stuck in the “Prison of Want”. Psalm 23 shows us how we can be free from this prison by following the lead of our Shepherd who loves his sheep and gives his life to protect them and ensure their happiness. We are reminded that there is a part of us that only God can fill and, like sheep following their shepherd, we need to follow God’s lead because we can’t get to where God wants us if we are only focusing on ourselves.
Like Jesus, we need to choose to pardon – not punish, – and to focus on God, not ourselves. If we do this, and, ultimately, follow God in faith, we can trust Him to do the rest.
Welcome to 2023! How we are going to move forward into the new year? Our fresh start in 2023 should be the start of an impactful year reflecting in who Christ is and that His strength in us can turn obstacles into targets.
