Journeying to Grace

‘The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.’ (Psalm 23:1) How many times have we read, prayed, or sung this powerful yet soothing verse of truth? Though we know it well, how often do we truly proclaim it from deep within our hearts? Not only is it the beginning of a beautiful Psalm of peace and comfort, but it is also a statement of our faith and a rich prayer of trust. We yearn for the verdant pastures and restful waters of the Psalm, and the Good Shepherd, who is our provider, our consoler, and our guide, has come to refresh our souls and restore us through the healing love of His Resurrection. For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25)

When we truly welcome the loving care and perfect guidance of the Shepherd and allow the promises of this Psalm to work in our spirit, we find His healing, peace, and grace stirring within us: He refreshes my soul…He guides me in right paths…I fear no evil; for you are at my side…my cup overflows…only goodness and kindness follow me…I shall dwell in the house of the Lord.…(complete text, Psalm 23:1-6). When we seek to hear and follow the Shepherd’s voice above the chaos and noise around us, we trust in His right path for us. When we faithfully believe that our Shepherd loves each of His precious sheep, that He will seek us when we stray, and that He invites us to always rest in Him, our faith is strengthened and our courage is rekindled.

Even (especially) in the times we ‘walk in the dark valley’ (Psalm 23:4), our Good Shepherd leads and accompanies us. ‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’ (Deut 31:8) Gathered in grace by the love of the Good Shepherd, let us not separate ourselves from Him but listen to His voice and faithfully follow Him, confident in His promises. In quiet prayer, let us revisit the healing words and images of Psalm 23 that we know so well. The Lord IS our shepherd. There is nothing we shall want.