So the question we all have to answer is this: Are we walking with the One who leads us through the valley of the shadow death? (It is only then that we will fear no evil because His rod and staff protect and guide.) Or are we walking through that valley on our own? (Alone and afraid with no protection or direction.)
Psalm 23 is a beautiful picture of how God takes care of us, just as a great shepherd would take care of his sheep. I am so thankful that no matter what the hard times are or how long they last, I can trust in my Great Shepherd to lead and guide, protect, provide, and love me unconditionally.
Read Psalm 23 today, and then turn your mind towards how great our God is, instead of how terrible the hard times are...you'll be amazed at the way the problems shrink, when you get your mind wrapped around how amazing, awesome, powerful, wonderful, loving, gracious, forgiving, tender and mighty our God is!
Psalm 23 (Amplified)
A Psalm of David.
A Psalm of David.
"1. THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
2. He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
3. He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.
4. Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
6. Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place."
2. He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
3. He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.
4. Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
6. Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place."
