Psalm 23:1-3, “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.”

The Christian life is a journey. Psalm 23 is a familiar and favorite passage that describes the various phases of our journey. There are times in our lives when we are walking with the Lord, and we are aware of our good shepherd, and how He is near, and we have everything we need.  We enjoy the green pastures, the still waters, and find rest and comfort in our lives.  We enjoy our shepherd’s provision for us during these times.

Psalm 23:4, “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.”

But then there are times when our lives are impacted by the valley of the shadow of death.  I know there are people going through the loss of a loved one right now.  Maybe it’s the loss of a spouse, a sibling, or a dear friend.  Others may be walking through a time of uncertainty with their health or the health of their spouse.  I’m glad that Psalm 23 refers to it as “the valley of the shadow of death”, not the valley of death.  Even though we may be walking through this dark, shadowed valley right now, we know that as Christ-followers, our enemy death has been defeated by our shepherd. That shadow may color our world, but we can take comfort in the fact that the presence of our shepherd is with us during these hard and fearful times. 

Psalm 23:5, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

Our shepherd cares for us by preparing a table for us in the presence of our enemies.  What might some of those enemies be?  Fear, worry, anxiety, and even death are some of the enemies we face in this fallen world.  It’s a joy to know that we are abundantly cared for even during these tough times. 

Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

In order to have a valley, you have to have mountains or hills around.  So when you’re in a valley, look up!  Look for the promises that God gives, that goodness and mercy are following after you—literally running after you—all the days of your life.  And continue to rest in the promise that ultimately we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Keeping an eternal perspective is not always easy.  We can get mired down in the valley of the shadow of fears, worry and death.  Keep your eyes on Jesus, your good Shepherd.  He cares for you. 

I love the song “Goodness of God.”  We have been singing this at church the past few months.  If you don’t know this song, you might look it up on YouTube. 

The lyrics remind us of God’s faithfulness and goodness, and how his mercy is running after us or following us all the days of our lives. 

Whether you are in a green pasture right now, or in a shadowed valley, find hope in the goodness of God and in Psalm 23. 

Here are some of the words:

“I love You, Lord
Oh, your mercy never failed me
All my days, I’ve been held in your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

And all my life you have been faithful
And all my life you have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

‘Cause your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give you everything
‘Cause your goodness is running after, it’s running after me.”

Songwriters: Jason David Ingram / Brian Johnson / Edmond Martin Cash / Benjamin David Fielding / Jenn Johnson

Goodness of God lyrics © So Essential Tunes, Capitol Cmg Paragon, Bethel Music Publishing, Shout! Music Publishing Australia

-by Pam Konnerup