30 Days With the PsalmsSample

Relying on God for care and guidance

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1 NIV).

David compares the Lord to a shepherd, and himself to a sheep. The same imagery is used by Jesus, who calls Himself “the good Shepherd” and believers “His flock”. The main point of comparison here is that sheep can’t provide for themselves. But the shepherd takes care of them. He knows exactly what they need, and is even prepared to give His own life for their well-being.

Living with Jesus and following Him as our Shepherd does not prevent us from difficult times. Sometimes He guides us through difficulties to teach us important lessons, on other occasions the trouble we are in may be our own fault, and sometimes we have no clue why God would allow these difficulties in our lives. David describes such a time as “a valley of the shadow of death”. That sounds very serious.

The only thing we can do in such situations is to trust God. David sings: “I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4 ESV). Or in Jesus’ words: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 ESV).

Do you believe that God is with you, even in dark moments? How does that make a difference?