Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I have always thought about this as the "Death Psalm" - only for funerals, but I am rethinking that now. If you take time to really read this Psalm that David wrote, he was telling God that he has unlimited faith and belief in Him.

Think about it - If the Lord is your shepherd, you should not want for anything. He will provide all that you need. He leads you where you should go and restores your soul, if you are listening and paying attention. Doing His will and following His path of righteousness will only lead to glory for His name. Even when you walk in the valley of anything, up to and including death, you should have no fear because the Lord is with you and evil cannot touch you. If you stray or do wrong, His rod and staff are there to lovingly remind you of the right way. He overfills your cup of life with what you need to survive, if you only ask and have faith. Surely goodness and love from your Lord will always be with you because you dwell in Him.

Why then, does my faith waiver? Being human is so hard some days. The Lord has promised everything we need and David reminds us of that in this beautifully written Psalm of faith and praise.

Lord, Thank you for this beautifully written Psalm! It has reminded me that You are everything I will ever need. I am sorry for the times when my faith in You is weak. You created me and know the very depths of my soul. You know that I believe in You and Your plan for my family and me, even when I am scared and frustrated. While I am walking in this valley, Lord, I know that You are with me and I will not be afraid. You will provide! Thank you for your loving reminder and the ability to dwell in Your house forever. Amen.