Psalm 23
1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
3he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
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The feeling that this passage sparks for me is one of complete peace and comfort. What a vision- walking alongside a loving shepherd who safeguards me through all of the dark times. He restores my weary soul and gives me rest. He showers me with so much undeserved goodness and mercy. And at the end of this journey on earth, He will take me to live in His house forever. What a comforting reminder of real peace in this fast-paced, material world.
It is easy to see why this beloved passage is often read at funerals. It was part of my dad’s funeral six years ago and I remember the comfort it gave me then. As I walked through a dark valley, he was right there beside me, offering his loving hand and guiding me to the still waters. He knew my pain and carried me through it.
In this season of Lent, may we find comfort in the constant presence of our Shepherd. With Him, we lack nothing. His unwavering love sustains us and his amazing grace restores us. He promises that his goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life. May we remember these loving promises during the dark valleys and carry this vision of complete peace and comfort in our good Shepherd.
Prayer: Dear Lord and Shepherd, thank you for the comfort of your constant presence and guidance. Thank you for loving us and always walking beside us. We look forward to the day when you will gently take us by the hand and guide us to the ultimate pasture in heaven, where we live with you forever.
—Rachel Kyllo