Psalm 23

The LORD the Shepherd of His People

A Psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd;

Dear God, I remember times past when You were there for me, even when I felt alone. Just knowing that You were with me was a blessing I could not do without.

Lately, however, I feel like one of Your lost sheep—one who is so lost that returning to You might just be impossible. And my fear makes things worse; it keeps me from turning to You. That’s why I sometimes hole up in silence instead of crying out for help.

When a desperate sheep bleats in the darkness, a shepherd guides it out into the light. Good Shepherd, give me the courage to quiet my fears and return to You instead of continuing to hide in the dark. In fact, I need Your wisdom right now. Please light my way and guide me back where I belong. And thank You for saving me when I cry out to You.

—Dean

Protection

DO NOT DREAD WALKING THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH. My radiant Presence shines brightly in that deep, sunless valley—strengthening, encouraging, and comforting you. Since I never sleep, I am able to watch over you continuously. Moreover, there is no valley or pit so deep and dark that I cannot see all the way to the bottom of it. Even if you wander from Me and fall into a slimy pit, you need not despair. When you cry out to Me, I will lift you out of the mud and mire and set your feet on a rock—giving you a firm place to stand.

Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I—your Shepherd—am armed. I am never without My rod of protection, and I use it with deadly accuracy. My shepherd’s staff is for guiding you. The hooked end of the staff is perfect for pulling you back from danger or rescuing you when you have fallen out of arm’s reach. Find comfort in the constant protection and guidance I provide.

As you face your fears, remember that I am the One who goes before you and will be with you; I will never leave you. While you are walking through the valley of adversity, let these ten short words cascade through your mind: I will fear no evil, for You are with me.

See also Psalm 23:4; Psalm 40:1, 2; John 10:11; Deuteronomy 31:8

(From Jesus Lives by Sarah Young)

FOR MORE ON THIS TOPIC, SEE PAGE 1037.

I shall not ^awant.

²He makes me to lie down in ^bgreen pastures;

He leads me beside the ^cstill waters.

³He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will ^ddwell in the house of the LORD

^eForever.