Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He causes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You set a table for me in the presence of my foes. You drench my head with oil. My cup is overflowing. Surely goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and care as we wander in this wilderness called Earth. We face regular reminders about the frailty of our lives and how quickly they can end; we continually walk in the shadow of death. That shadow also reminds us of our sin, and for everyone who does not know or trust you, their shepherd, that is the shadow of eternal death. Thank you again for being our shepherd and providing us with all we need while we sojourn here. You have already demonstrated the lengths you were willing to go to save us and put us in greener pastures of life by sending your Son to suffer on the cross in our place to forgive all our sins. You lead us in paths of righteousness, giving us the means to come to and sustain our faith; so that we know and trust your love and forgiveness for us. Continue to guide us by your word, that we might be set apart from the world as holy and kept in faith. So while the world may rear its ugly head at us, please fix our focus on you so that we will be home with you in heaven one day. Lord, many others are wandering with us who do not know you; please give us the courage to share the good news about our shepherd with them. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Through faith alone, you know and trust the good shepherd, Jesus. He gave up his life to save all his sheep and forgive them all their sins. Remain with him in faith so you never have to be afraid while you walk in this valley overcast by death’s shadow.