My Soul Thirsts for God

Reading the Word Psalm 42:1–5 (ESV) 1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude … Continue reading My Soul Thirsts for God

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Betrayed by a Friend

Reading the Word Psalm 41:9–13 (ESV) 9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. 10 But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them! 11 By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. 12 But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever. 13 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. Understanding and Applying the Word … Continue reading Betrayed by a Friend

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Kicked While Your Are Down

Reading the Word Psalm 41:5–8 (ESV) 5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?” 6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad. 7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me. 8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.” Understanding and Applying the Word There is nothing like being kicked when you are down. That is what … Continue reading Kicked While Your Are Down

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Reflecting the Love of God

Reading the Word Psalm 41:1–4 (ESV) 1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; 2 the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. 4 As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!” Understanding and Applying the Word The word rendered “poor” in verse … Continue reading Reflecting the Love of God

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I Am Poor and Needy

Shaped by the Word is a daily Bible reading devotional. I do not publish devotional content on Sundays, but I do publish a suggested reading for the day. In 2018, we are reading through the Book of Psalms together. If you have not already done so, please subscribe to this page so you can follow along each day. Thanks for reading ! Reading the Word Psalm 40:11–17 (ESV) 11 As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me! 12 For evils have encompassed me beyond number; … Continue reading I Am Poor and Needy

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A New Song in My Mouth

Reading the Word Psalm 40:1–5 (ESV) 1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. 4 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a … Continue reading A New Song in My Mouth

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O Lord, Make Me Know My End

Reading the Word Psalm 39:1–13 (ESV) 1 I said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.” 2 I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse. 3 My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! 5 … Continue reading O Lord, Make Me Know My End

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Feeling Crushed

Reading the Word Psalm 38:1–8 (ESV) 1 O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! 2 For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me. 3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. 4 For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. 5 My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, 6 I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day … Continue reading Feeling Crushed

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The Lord Is Near to the Brokenhearted

Reading the Word Psalm 34:17–22 (ESV) 17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will … Continue reading The Lord Is Near to the Brokenhearted

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Be Gracious to Me

Reading the Word Psalm 25:15–22 (ESV) 15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. 18 Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. 19 Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. 20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in … Continue reading Be Gracious to Me

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