The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6 (Underlined for emphasis.)
Meditate.
Consider God’s guidance and comfort in this scripture passage.
Even
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of criticism (from others and
from myself), that valley of rejection, I am not afraid—I feel Your love,
Jesus. You are guiding me with Your staff—the Holy Spirit. Thanks for always
being with me…for never leaving or forsaking me (Hebrews 13:5). I claim that
promise—knowing that in Your wisdom You are my shepherd.
Sheep in Israel
The comfort and compassion of the Psalm 23, as described in the book A Shepherd Looks at
Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller, is that the shepherd gives his all for
his sheep. His love, attention, understanding of their habits, desires and
needs, and constant commitment to their care are his focus. That is just how
Jesus treats us. His sacrificial love and compassion never fails.
The faithful love of the LORD never
ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin
afresh each morning. Lamentations
3:22-23.
God is so
good to me. He lifts me up when I am down—just like the shepherd who uses his
staff to lift the little lamb up out of a pit. Even though I walk in the
valley…I am not alone, abandoned nor mocked by my Lord and Savior—my Shepherd.
Do you
feel the comfort and love of the Lord…His presence in your life…even when you
are feeling down?
Prayer
– Lord Jesus—You are an awesome Shepherd. Thank you for revealing to me that
not only will You never leave me or forsake me, but You provide all I need and
protect me. I am forever grateful. With this reminder of Your love, I am
refreshed and renewed.
Verse
of Salvation ~ The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my
heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of
thanksgiving. The LORD gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his
anointed king. Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Lead
them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever. Psalm 28:7-9
© 2025 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
Portions reused from August 18, 2016, Banquet With The King blog.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M.
Hunacek
Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com
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