23: Treasures Within Psalm 23Sample

23

DAY 2: PEACE

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. Psalm 23:1-2

We all want peace, but very few of us know how to either acquire it or sustain it. Most of our anxiety stems from financial burdens, relationship turmoil, or lack of purpose. A shepherd is a steward of their flock and faithfully directs, nurtures, and protects. The promise of “the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” is a declaration that believers are encouraged to claim as their own and is almost enough by itself to instill sufficient peace. Many of us have felt like we were aimlessly on this journey, without direction or purpose, in a barren land of emptiness.

In addition, we have all experienced seasons of life where we were discontented and hopeless. Those moments foster unhealthy emotions and thoughts of potential spiritual starvation. However, “lying down in green pastures” signifies the hope of a fruitful harvest and that the work of our hands will lead to prosperity and favor. If you have ever seen miles and miles of flourishing, fertile farmland, you have experienced the feelings of promise and peace a scene like that presents. Those ‘green pastures’ represent a reason to keep persevering through struggles and find hope within a season of great harvest. When I think of heavy storms looming over the ocean’s surface, I visualize surging waves seeking destruction and devastation. Looking out over that horizon where one isolated ship is struggling to stay afloat, I can’t help but question the certainty of its survival. We have all felt like that ship, nearly capsizing and potentially sinking to the depths of the ocean’s floor. With the Lord as our shepherd, the good news is that we can rest in another promise that states, “He leads me by still waters.” Not all waters are still, especially when you lose a job, receive a negative medical report, or part ways with a spouse.

Those seas are turbulent and shark-infested. However, God knows when we need the tides to recede, and He knows when to provide stillness and solace. He leads us to that place of peace and comfort. The storms will come, and the seas will rage, but God always leads us to still waters.

CHALLENGE:

What areas of your life can you apply this verse?

What does it mean to you when you hear 'The Lord is my Shepherd’?