Reading and re-reading Psalm 23, I cannot help but be filled with overwhelming gratitude and praise for God’s unshakeable faithfulness to us. This Psalm has been a rock of truth for me in various seasons throughout my life. It is a sweet reminder of who God is.
Through every season, through every valley and mountaintop, through every doubt and tribulation, God is offering us a place of rest. A respite for our souls. This world is constantly vying for our time, energy, our love, allegiance and affection…but Jesus says, “I am your shepherd. I will take care of all your needs. Come lie down and rest and be restored in me.” All of this is offered to us because of his great mercy and compassion to us. He will lead us in straight paths as we submit to him, even when we aren’t sure if a path exists.
Jesus has already walked through death and risen victorious. He has defeated the ultimate enemy. Because of this truth we can say, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Jesus knows the depth of every trial and temptation and darkness you have faced. Every sin and shame. And he is here with us. Understanding. Faithfully present. Compassionate. No matter what you are going through you can turn to him.
He walks with us and blesses us…in this life and the life to come. That’s why it doesn’t matter what circumstance you currently find yourself in. “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (V.6) This goodness and love isn’t comfort or ease of circumstances or good health or a long life. It is the goodness and love of a Creator that will never leave you or forsake you. Although our current world is still a broken one, it is being made new. And one day we will be with our shepherd and all things will be restored.
Thank you, God.
- Catherine H.