A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 120

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 120
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

I am for peace; But when I speak, they are for war (Psalm 120:7).

 
The atmosphere of heaven is peace. God is the God of peace, Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the Holy Spirit is the Presence of Peace. Peace is an amazing reality that can rule our lives. What a blessing it is to be set free from the enemies’ camp of turmoil confusion, chaos, disorder, contention and strife.
 
The contrast between the friends and enemies of peace couldn’t be more clearly presented than the following two Scriptures:
 
“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22).
 
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV).
 
"The peace of God"... This is so great a blessing, so real a blessing, so precious a blessing, that it must be known experimentally to be entered into, for it passes all understanding. No anxiety ought to be found in the believer. Great, many, and varied may be our trials, our afflictions, our difficulties-and yet there should be no anxiety under any circumstances, because we have a Father in heaven who is almighty, who loves His children as He loves His only begotten Son, and whose very joy and delight it is to succor and help them at all times and under all circumstances.”-George Muller 
 
Prayer of Peace
 
Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are the Prince of Peace and that You have promised to give me Your peace. I receive Your peace, the peace that passes all understanding, the peace that assures me of Your presence, the peace that confirms Your love, the peace that guards my every thought and each emotion.
 
Thank You, that You have come, not to trouble me, but to give me Your rest; not to confuse me, but to give me clarity; not to bind me, but to free me; not to stress me, but to quiet me. Thank You for a peace that endures the trial, overcomes the battle, conquers the foe, and keeps me steady through the storm.
 
Thank You, Lord, for complete peace, for perfect peace, for a peace that keeps my heart from being troubled. Come now and fill me with Your peace. Thank You for the perfect peace that comes when I put my trust in You. Let it wash over me and flood my innermost being. Show me the ways of peace, keep me in the paths of peace, guide me in the decisions that lead to peace. Jesus, be my peace today.
 
Insight: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 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 119

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 119
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways. You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently. Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments. I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly! (Psalm 119:1-8)

The focus of Psalm 119 is upon the Word of God and the God who spoke the Word. The Psalm is divided into 22 sections, and each section is identified by a letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Throughout these 22 sections the following seven words are used repeatedly to direct our attention to the Word of God. (Section 1, Aleph, contains six of these words).

• The Law: Psalm 119:1 
• The Testimonies: Psalm 119:2
• The Precepts: Psalm 119:4
• The Statutes: Psalm 119:5,8
• The Commandments: Psalm 119:6
• The Judgements: Psalm 119:7
• The Word: It is used over 35 times in Psalm 119

The Word of God
No warrior can dull its BLADE;
No intellectual can undermine its TRUTH;
No skeptic can lessen its AUTHENTICITY;
No mocker can weaken its FOUNDATIONS;
No philosopher can out-think its PENETRATING INSIGHT;
No strongman can weaken its STRENGTH;
No religion can replace its TRANSFORMING POWER.

The rebellious fight it, the disobedient ignore it, the stubborn refuse it, the indifferent ignore it, the lazy neglect it, the careless skim over it, the foolish despise it, the runaway turns his back on it, and the traitor renounces it.

The hungry eat it, the weary rest in it, the traveler is guided by it, the humble learn from it, the submissive obey it, the devout love it, the downcast find encouragement in it, the weary find strength in it, the sick are healed by it, and the wise build their lives upon it.

When we, as Christians, love our Lord Jesus Christ with heart and soul and mind, the Word of God is on our side! If we could only grasp the fact that God's Word is more than a book! It is the revelation of divine truth from the person of God Himself. -A.W. Tozer

Insight: Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart (Jeremiah 15:16).

#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 118

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 118
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22).
 
Rejection is not easy to handle. It was one of the things I tried to avoid growing up. There were times at school when certain team games were scheduled for recess. Captains were selected to pick the players for each team. The selection of players went back and forth until all the students were on a team. The way I looked at it, the longer it took to be picked the greater the rejection. The ultimate rejection was being picked last!
 
In Psalm 118:22 we discover several words that are important to examine more closely. The words are builders, rejected, and chief cornerstone. 
 
Builders 
In verse 22 the “builders” are the people who are doing the rejecting. They represent those in charge, who are leaders and decisions makers. The decisions they make are big deals and can influence a generation. 

The word “builders” also applies to parents and their leadership and authority in the home. The responsibility and impact of a builder is huge!

Good builders are the ones who do the work of building up others.
 
Rejected
Looking up the word “rejected” in Hebrew doesn’t soften the impact of this powerful word. Any of the following words can be used to replace rejected—dispose, disdain, despise, loathe, refuse, or cast away. When a builder rejects something it should be because it is flawed, dangerous, corrupt, or inferior. Morally speaking, when a builder rejects someone, that person should be evil, harmful, dangerous, or deceptive.
 
Chief Cornerstone 
Historically, the “chief cornerstone” was the foundational anchor of a building. It was the largest and strongest stone, and able to bear great weight. It was the first stone laid. From it, all other stones were aligned. It was the most important stone used in building. Without it, a structure would become unstable and subject to ruin.
 
Prophetically, the chief cornerstone represents not “what” is being rejected, but “who” is being rejected. Verse 22 is not about construction work, it is an analogy describing the rejection of the Messiah by the spiritual leaders who should have welcomed, celebrated and received Him as God’s promised salvation. 
 
The prophet Isaiah gives us his version of Psalm 118:22, “He (Messiah) was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care” (Isaiah 53:3 NLT).
 
It is heartbreaking to realize that those who were responsible for building others up and pointing them to the true chief cornerstone, were the ones who led others to embrace a life that would bring them ruination.
 
We are also reminded of Psalm 18:22 from the following Scriptures:
 
Matthew 21:42
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?
 
Romans 9:33
As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
 
Ephesians 2:20
Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the chief cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 
 
1 Peter 2:6
Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
 
Insight: Jesus (The Chief Cornerstone) said, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24 NKJV).

Only those who build their lives upon the solid, unshakable life of Jesus Christ will be able to withstand the storms of life.

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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 117

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 117
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples!
For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 117:1-2)
 
One of the wonderful things about God’s Truth is it takes all the guess work out of living. True truth is God’s Truth. Once you know God’s Truth you don’t need to check back every year to see if anything has changed. God’s Truth sets us free from the anxiety and worry of wondering if we’re missing out on something important. God’s Truth is our true north, our plum line, and our cornerstone. Count on it! Build your life upon it! Follow it and never look back.
 
As a founder of DaySpring Cards, I needed to create some editorial guidelines for new employees. It was important for everyone who worked there to understand what we did, why we did it, and how to get it done. The purpose of the company was to make Christ known in our generation and to encourage God’s people through messages of love, hope, and comfort. Our purpose would have been impossible to fulfill without the Truth of God’s Word. Without His Truth we would have lost our way, our message, and our ministry. Truth was our “keeper of the spring” to keep God’s heart flowing to others.
 
Many years ago, Peter Marshal, a chaplain of the US Senate, shared an illustration called The Keeper of the Spring. This wonderful story can have many applications. As you read it, consider Truth as a life-protecting “Keeper” of the river of God’s living water freely flowing into your heart. 
 
The Keeper of the Spring
 
A quiet forest dweller who lived high above an Austrian village along the eastern slopes of the Alps. The old gentleman had been hired many years ago by a young town council to clear away the debris from the pools of water up in the mountain crevices that fed the lovely spring flowing through their town. 
 
With faithful, silent regularity, he patrolled the hills, removed the leaves and branches, and wiped away the silt that would otherwise choke and contaminate the fresh flow of water.

By and by, the village became a popular attraction for vacationers. Graceful swans floated along the crystal-clear spring, the mill wheels of various businesses located near the water turned day and night, farmlands were naturally irrigated, and the view from restaurants was picturesque beyond description.
 
Years passed. One evening the town council met for its semiannual meeting. As they reviewed the budget, one man's eye caught the salary figure being paid the obscure keeper of the spring. Said the keeper of the purse, "Who is the old man? Why do we keep him on year after year? No one ever sees him. For all we know the stranger of the hills is doing us no good. He isn't necessary any longer!" By a unanimous vote, they dispensed with the old man's services.
 
For several weeks nothing changed. By early autumn the trees began to shed their leaves. Small branches snapped off and fell into the pools, hindering the rushing flow of sparkling water. One afternoon someone noticed a slight yellowish-brown tint in the spring. A couple days later the water was much darker. Within one week, a film covered sections of the water along the banks and a foul odor was soon detected. The mill wheels moved slower, some finally ground to a halt. Swans left as did the tourists. Clammy fingers of disease and sickness reached deeply into the village.
 
Quickly, the embarrassed council called a special meeting. Realizing their gross error in judgment, they hired back the old keeper of the spring . . . and within a few weeks the veritable river of life began to clear up. The wheels started to turn, and new life returned to the hamlet in the Alps once again.
-Peter Marshal
 
Insight: Be sanctified by His Truth. John 17:17
Do nothing against His Truth: 2 Corinthians 13:8
Be established in His Truth. 2 Peter 1:12
Walk in His Truth. 2 John 1:4
 
Insight: Let His Truth be the keeper of your thoughts. His Truth will keep the debris and corruption of the world from finding a home in your heart and mind.
 
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8 NKJV).

#psalms #devotional #devotion #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow
©2026 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.
 

#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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Meeting in the Meadow

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 116

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 116
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you (Psalm 116:1-2, 7).
 
God hears you! Keep on praying, asking and calling upon His name. God knows the sound of your voice. He gave it to you. He can identify your voice, even in a crowd. His ear hears every request. You have His full attention. God does not have a brief attention span, or a short-term memory. His faithfulness to you is for a lifetime.
 
God doesn’t hear you because you’re famous, talented, or wealthy. He doesn’t show you favor because you’re educated, athletic, or “the boss”. 
He doesn’t respond to you bountifully because you’re a hard worker, a good investor, or a smart deal maker. He hears you, shows you favor and responds to you because you are His child, and He is your gracious, loving Heavenly Father. He is the One who formed you, redeemed you, and calls you by name.
 
Has God ever left you?
Will He leave you now?
He Himself has said, "I will never leave you..." (Hebrews 13:5).
 
Has He ever forsaken you?
Will He forsake you now?
He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
 
Has He ever failed you?
Will He fail you now?
Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6 AMP).
 
Has He ever stopped watching over you?
Will He watch over you now?
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever (Psalm 121:8 NLT).
 
Has He ever turned His love away from you?
Will He turn away from you now?
The Lord appeared from of old to me saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you. (Jeremiah 31:3 AMP)
 
Has He ever ceased to be faithful?
Will He be faithful now?
The Lord is faithful and will strengthen you and protect you against the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3 GW). 
 
Insight: God is not looking for those who are clever, but for those in whom He can be wise;
He is not looking for those who are talented, but for those to whom He can be all sufficient;
He is not looking for those who are powerful, but for those through whom He can be almighty.

#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.

Blessed Day Cards
Meeting in the Meadow