The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water. He gives me new strength.

He leads me on paths that are right for the good of his name. Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me. You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies. You pour oil of blessing on my head; you fill my cup to overflowing. Surely your goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 (NCV)

Sometimes all we need in the middle of the busyness and chaos, or the darkness and disappointments, is this simple, powerful reminder:

The Lord promises to be our Shepherd, to guide us and walk with us, but He doesn’t tell His whats or His whys or make our life with Him free from struggle. He promises to give us everything we need, but certainly not every single thing we desire. He knows when we need rest and restoration before we do, and He gives our hearts space to be quiet and listen for His voice. He quenches our spiritual thirst with the only water that fully satisfies: the Living Water of Christ that is life itself. The Lord promises to lead us in such a way that His name will be honored, not our own. His goal for us is not to make us “look good” but to point others to Him, the only true hope of the world. He walks with us through the darkest valleys, the lowest points in our lives, and He lifts our eyes and reminds us of the mountaintops yet to come. He protects us from the enemy’s lies and attacks every day, and He pours out blessing after blessing. 

The Lord guides you, He leads you, He gives you strength, He provides for you, He protects you, He comforts you, He blesses you, and He is with you…always! Rather than replaying the events and the worries of your day, take some deep breaths and soak in the Lord’s presence and His peace. Jesus will fill you with exactly what you need when you depend on Him as your Shepherd and obediently follow Him as His sheep. You are loved!