What makes you feel safe?

For some people, it’s having enough money in the bank. For others, it’s a good doctor, a secure job, or a strong support system. We all look for something that gives us confidence that things will be okay. Most of the time it’s something tangible or visible.

Psalm 23 gives a different picture of security.

“The Lord is my shepherd.”

That image would have been familiar to David. Before he was king, he was a shepherd himself. He knew sheep are not strong or independent animals. They need guidance, protection, and care. Left alone, they wander into danger surprisingly easily.

That comparison is not always flattering to us.

We like to think of ourselves as capable and self-sufficient. We want to believe we can manage life on our own. But eventually, most people encounter situations that remind them otherwise. A diagnosis. A broken relationship. Financial stress. Grief. Suddenly, we realize how little control we actually have.

Psalm 23 does not promise that Christians avoid those valleys.

In fact, David assumes they will come. He speaks about walking through…

“the valley of the shadow of death.”

The comfort of the psalm is not that danger disappears. The comfort is that the shepherd remains present within it.

“You are with me.” changes everything.

I think back to when I was a child. Walking through place that was dark could be scary…if I was alone. But if my Mom or Dad was with me, it wasn’t so scary anymore. I trusted them and knew they loved me and would take care of me.

That’s the comfort Psalm 23 gives.

For Christians, this psalm points us to Jesus, who calls Himself the Good Shepherd. He does not stand far away from suffering and death. He walks directly into it. At the cross, He entered the darkest valley and came out the other side in resurrection life.

Because of Him, we can trust that no valley is truly empty. The Shepherd has already gone ahead of us, and He does not abandon His sheep and it doesn’t matter how dark the valley gets, He is greater.

I wish I could say that prevents me from ever being afraid. It doesn’t, but that’s my weakness. Jesus is faithful. Maybe you are afraid sometimes, too. Rest assured, even if you’re afraid, know that fear no longer has the final word. Jesus does. And He says you’ll dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being my Shepherd. When I am anxious or afraid, remind me that You are with me. Help me trust Your care even in difficult valleys, knowing that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has gone before me and holds me securely in His hands.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

• Your family
• Your local church
• Your pastor
• Some of your fellow church members
• The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
• Your country and her leaders
• Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.