(Second in the sermon series on Psalm 23 for Lent 2025)

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Imagine walking into a study, expecting nothing more than a word puzzle. But unbeknownst to you, the words in the puzzle are shaping your behavior. If the sentences contain words like "rude" and "intrude," you're primed for impatience. If they include words like "polite" and "respect," you're primed for patience. Later, when faced with trying to get further instructions for your study from a person talking with someone else who won’t quit, those primed for rudeness interrupt much sooner than those primed for politeness.

Or consider this: A researcher hands you a cup of either hot or iced—just for a few seconds. Later, you read a description of a person and rate them on personality traits. Those who held the warm coffee tend to describe the person as warm and generous. Those who held the iced coffee? Not so much.

These studies reveal something surprising: the little things shape us. The smallest details prime us for how we experience and respond to the world.

If something as simple as holding a cup of coffee can prime us for warmth or coldness, what might happen if we primed ourselves daily for faith, hope, and love? What if we started each morning priming ourselves to see Jesus at work in our lives? What if we consistently reminded ourselves of God’s promises?

This is why daily devotions matter. This season of Lent offers a perfect opportunity to establish a habit of turning our hearts toward God. Our Lenten devotionals are brief, structured around Psalm 23, and designed to guide you into deeper reflection. Each day includes Scripture, a thought-provoking quote, a reflection, and a prayer. For example, on Tuesday, you’ll encounter these thought-provoking words from C.S. Lewis: “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

Prime yourself for faith. Prime yourself for trust. Prime yourself for hope. You believe in Jesus — live into that belief every day.

Psalm 23 paints a picture of a Shepherd — God Himself — who doesn’t just suggest rest but makes it happen. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”

Let’s break that down:

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” At first glance, the word “makes” might sound like coercion. But a better sense is “causes.” He creates the conditions for rest. Sheep won’t lie down unless they feel full, safe, and at peace. A hungry sheep won’t lie down. A fearful sheep won’t lie down. But under the care of a good shepherd — one who provides and protects — the sheep feel comfortable and safe enough to completely relax.

These green pastures are not the work of the sheep. The sheep haven’t sent out scouts to find the green pastures. They don’t arrange for their own safety. The shepherd does. God, our Shepherd, provides what we need, and because of that, we can rest.

“He leads me beside still waters.” The theme continues. God’s provision is not frantic or chaotic. It is peaceful, sustaining, calm. Still waters offer refreshment, not danger. And just like with the green pastures, this refreshment comes not by our striving but by our Shepherd’s leading. Our role? Trust and follow.

“He restores my soul.” Here, the metaphor falls away, and we come to the heart of the matter. This is about deep, spiritual renewal. God does more than offer physical rest — He restores our very being. The Hebrew word for “restore” can mean to bring back, refresh, or renew. This is not just about catching your breath or getting a good night’s sleep. It’s about being made whole again.

This week, in our Lenten devotionals, we’ll reflect on Isaiah 30:15: “Thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling.”

That last phrase—“But you were unwilling”—is haunting. God invites us to find rest in Him, but how often do we resist? We push ourselves to the limit, convincing ourselves that we must do it all on our own. But the invitation remains: Return. Rest. Trust. Be still. Be restored.

In Psalm 4:8, David, a man well-acquainted with danger, writes, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Perhaps you could begin a new habit this week. Each night, before you sleep, say those words from Psalm 4:8. Let them prime you for faith, for trust, for rest.

The Lord is your Shepherd. He leads you. He provides for you. He restores you.

You shall not want.