Psalm 23:1-6
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

“Come with me,” is often the request of a frightened child. There is something comforting and strengthening about not having to face difficulties and challenges alone. The mere presence of someone else can give the assurance and confidence needed to go forward into whatever may come. When Jesus is our shepherd, we never walk alone, no matter what the path looks like. Beside still waters and deep in the valley, He is there with us. Through the highs and lows, the tragedies and triumphs, the faithful shepherd keeps His watch. May the assurance of His presence help us to keep going along the path, whatever it looks like just now. There is nothing that can separate us from Him and no darkness that can block His view.

What does the assurance of this reality mean to us? As David concludes, it means that goodness and mercy are our companions in this life because those things are in the heart of our Lord, the very essence of who He is. There is an abundance He provides, protection, comfort, healing and help of any kind. We lack nothing when we’re in the flock of Jesus. So let’s stick close to Him and rely on Him. Let’s follow obediently. Let’s rest in the comfort of His constant presence here with us.

Difficult moments may come, but we don’t have to be afraid. Peaceful moments do come, and we can find our rest. The daily grind can sap our strength, but we can be restored. An abundance of blessings floods and overflows in our lives, and we can stand in awe of our Lord. A sinful world can challenge and tempt us, but we can follow the righteous path. And it is being near to Jesus that makes all the difference. He has called us out as His very own, so let us trust Him to lead and bravely continue on knowing He is always with us.