Psalm 23:1-4
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
Dark valleys are evident. Notice in this Psalm, we will walk through them— not around them or over them. But the great promise we have as children of God is that we aren’t alone. We don’t ever have to be afraid because the Great Shepherd goes with us and before us. His plans for us are only good.
Respond in Prayer
• Spend some time right now imagining God as your shepherd, leading you to restful places - green meadows, peaceful streams. Now imagine walking through a dark and scary valley alone. Thank God that, as His beloved child, you don’t ever have to go alone. Thank Him for His love, His protection over you and the comfort that He alone can bring as you walk through difficult seasons. Ask for a renewed strength to follow the good path He has for you.
For Families with Kids at Home
• Find a visible place in your home to write out this passage so that you and your kids can see it: a notecard hung up on the fridge, a piece of paper taped to a wall, a chalkboard, anything will do. Remind your kids that God gives us peace, that we don’t have to be afraid, and that God is always with us.