August 19, 2026

Of all the books of Scripture that our Savior quoted during His early ministry, none was as frequently references as Psalms. The second most quoted book by our Lord and Redeemer was Isaiah. When we learn something, a skill, a concept, etc... that is precious to sometime else, we understand them better and through shared interested can form a stronger relationship. As we study the Psalms, which our Savior loved, we come to know our Savior better and strengthen our relationship with Him. Indeed, the last words he spoke upon the cross were from the Psalms: "my God, my God, why hath thou forsaken me?" (22:1), "Into thine hand I commit my spirit" (31:5).

Psalms 22

14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

These verses stood out to me. Their poetic prowess and imagery make my heart ache as I think of what my Brother went through in the Garden of Gethsemane and upon the cross. To imagine Him, poured out like water.. I'm sure we've all had moments where we are so exhausted or overwhelmed that we feel like melting, poured like water, and just falling to the ground with no control of our limbs.

Then His broken heart - the purest heart, melting for us as He experienced all of our pain and sorrow. There's no word to describe the agony, and then after feeling the pain, knowing that we, those He loves so dearly, would have to experience those sufferings (each in individual portion), especially right after being awakened to the reality of exactly how it would all feel... My heart melts for my children as I imagine what they might go through in this life. I cannot imagine how heavy His heart would have been.

I love my Savior for He loved me first in a way no one else can.

Psalms 23

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

The first part of this verse is nothing short of famous but it is the final statement that captured my attention this reading. "Thy rod and thy staff comfort me". Do we find our comfort in the scriptures and word of God (rod) and in the priesthood and what it does for us (staff)?

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

These next verses I highlighted a different color. Though they continue the same theme, I found a different (related) treasure in them.

The Lord prepares our table in the midst of our enemies. They aren't removed - our temptations, trials, and the turbulence of life aren't taken away - but in the middle of them He provides for us. We are anointed in the temple, the holy house of the Lord, and the blessings received are more than we can hold. That is enough to want to be in His house forever, and enough to make it possible to be in His house forever.