On Sunday morning, I generally read from the pulpit out of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. (For many years, most of my devotional reading was done in the Revised Standard Version of the scriptures, and for the past decade or two I have read the Bible most often from the New Revised Standard Version). But, deep in my past, a friend mailed me an encouraging note quoting Psalm 20 from the Living Bible.

That passage spoke to me in what was a tense and trying time in my life. When I am reading the Psalms devotionally, I always turn to Psalm 20 from this English paraphrase:

 Psalm 20 (TLB)

20 In your day of trouble, may the Lord be with you! May the God of Jacob keep you from all harm. ² May he send you aid from his sanctuary in Zion. ³ May he remember with pleasure the gifts you have given him, your sacrifices and burnt offerings. ⁴ May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. ⁵ May there be shouts of joy when we hear the news of your victory, flags flying with praise to God for all that he has done for you. May he answer all your prayers!

It still brings comfort and hope the way it’s phrased.

Prayer

God, you promise to speak to me in your Word. Let me take time to listen each day as I take time to read what has been set down in the scriptures for the comfort you provide. Amen.