Psalm 23 | I Shall Not Wantనమూనా

Verse 4. “Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.” [AMP]

In the shadows, what is just ahead is not predictable. Sometimes you can’t even discern what tomorrow may hold. You find yourself resting in the routine until something jars you and you aren’t sure what, or whom, you can actually‭‭ trust.

“If this happened, then who’s to say that won’t happen.”

But it’s in these moments that our faithful, steady Shepherd swoops in with His faithful, trusty shepherd’s crook and gently, but firmly guides. This verse says it comforts and consoles. It’s not cushy or bubble-wrapped. But it’s steady. It’s consistent. It’s trustable.

Following the Good Shepherd's lead isn't always comfortable because He sees things we don't see. This often leads Him to lead us in a path we can't see with the natural eye, or from our finite vantage point.

Have you ever tried to walk in a strange room with little or no light in it? What do you do? You walk more slowly, using caution with every single (smaller) step so you don't run into anything, break a toe, or fall over an obstacle you could not see in front of you. But if you have someone you trust who is in the same room and knows the path a little better, you're likely move a little more swiftly and confidently, knowing they're likely to run into the obstacles before you. Regardless of what happens, you're in this together.

So it is when you're following the lead of your Heavenly Father by way of the Holy Spirit. He guides you through the reading of His Word, through gentle nudges in your spirit, by stopping to pray and listen to His voice, and by wise counsel from Spirit-led guides in your life. In this way you are kept safe, even if it wasn't your preferred route. Through His care, you are comforted and strengthened, realizing it isn't all up to you. You aren't alone in this sunless valley. You can know that the view from above trumps your view from below.

Dig a Little Deeper:

1. Let your mind journey back to a time when you truly felt alone, walking in a sunless valley of life. Was it the shadow of actual death? Or perhaps the death of a dream you'd held for a long time? How did that feel?

2. If you allowed the Good Shepherd to guide you through it, how did you know to trust His lead? How did you know what He was leading you to do, or where He was taking you?

3. If you did not allow the Good Shepherd to guide you through it, how would things have been different, now that you're on the outside looking in? What choices would you have made to trust Him more?