Comfort in the Night

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23 ESV). I am actually writing this devotional late at night. While it is not a particularly stressful time in our family, I am reminded of the times when it was much more difficult. I can recall the many words of encouragement from so many of you. For that we were and are very grateful. During one of the most difficult of those times our reading today was a standard passage for me. David wrote the 23rd Psalm in the midst of great uncertainty. Often it is the “not knowing” that is used to bring us at the precipice of despair and fear. Perhaps you are facing such a time in your life. Let me offer the following observations that help me ease my mind.  The Lord is my Shepherd. He is the perfect salvation. There is nothing that can interrupt His love toward me. He will rescue me from every enemy.  I have everything I need. He provides perfect satisfaction. It is so easy to miss satisfaction in our continual quest for more. He gives all we need!  He lets me rest in green meadows. He provides perfect rest. When we are weary and nearly fallen, he brings us to a place of rest.  He leads me beside peaceful streams. He refreshes us. He readies us for the next steps in our journey. Even when we feel as if we cannot go on, he is already moving in us to refresh us.  He renews my strength. About to fall, without strength to go on, the Lord recharges our strength.  He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. The darkness is dispelled in the light of his love and grace so that we may see our way.  Even when I walk through the dark valley, I will not be afraid. For you are close to me. In the darkest of times, fear cannot overtake us. He is ever close to us, never more than a whisper from us.  Your rod and staff protect and comfort me. He carries the weapons of our protection. No enemy is so great as to stand before him.  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. Every enemy, death included cannot sit with us in the celebration of life he has already prepared for us.  You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. Healing and restoration are ours in his presence.  My cup overflows with blessings. So great are his blessings, we cannot contain them all. They pour out in overflow!  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. Eternal life is our destiny. We are bound for that perfect land in Christ Jesus! What a great and mighty God we call Abba, Father! Rest in Him this day and every day! He is our comfort for every night in our lives!