Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The world, with all of its sinfulness, always has been and always will be a difficult place for us to live. That is the true nature of sin; death, destruction, and pain. As recipients of the bounty our nation has endured for so many years, we are increasingly removed from the idea of physical want and suffering. We don’t know what it means to hunger for a meal and don’t understand the concept behind the word toil. This does not mean that the legacy of sin does not still plague our lives; it has merely taken a different form.
Now more than ever, we see and hear people crying out for love. Abandoned babies, abusive homes, death of marriages, all evidence an increasing depravation of the soul leaving the victims with unanswerable questions. If my parents don’t love me, who on earth could? If my spouse is tired of being with me, how will anyone else ever desire my presence? Could anyone ever love me?
In the midst of heartbreak and confusion, there is a voice that continues to whisper to us as it has from the beginning of time. I love you and I long to be with you. I gave you life, so that you could love and live. Our Savior, the God and Creator of the universe calls to us and longs for us to listen to His promises.
Even if the world leaves you broken, naked, and abandoned,
I am your shepherd, you shall not want.
Though you work and work to find wealth and satisfaction, I will lay you down beside green pastures and give you true peace.
I will restore your soul and provide for your every need.
I know being alone feels like the valley of the shadow of death, but don’t be afraid for you walk that valley with Me. You will never be alone because I will never leave you.
I know all of your failures and all of your weaknesses and I choose to relish my blessing upon you because I love you, my precious child.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow you all of the days of your life and you will dwell with Me forever.