When we face a hard, from daily struggles to overwhelming pain and sorrow, we long for comfort. For encouragement. A source exists at our fingertips, available to us at any time, straight from the heart of our Father God. The Scripture presents a love-packed story, from cover to cover, from God to His people; including passage after passage of comfort and encouragement.

One of those scriptures, a familiar psalm, has entire books written to explore its depths, yet takes on special meaning when applied to our aching souls in a hard. Let’s hear together what our Shepherd-King says to us in our struggle. Only six verses, but brimming with comfort and hope.

“I am your Shepherd. Beside Me you have no wants. Everything in creation belongs to Me and I provide, in each moment, exactly what you need. Tho your walk seems difficult and treacherous, I lead you to places where you can both flourish and rest.

“And your aching soul? Restored. I bring refreshment to your spirit and revive your soul in this difficult time. How? Right in the midst of trouble and sorrow, you can taste the very essence of Life, My Spirit, which invigorates and strengthens your very depths. 

“Stay with Me as I guide you along paths bringing you safety and well-being. With carefulness, I escort you along life paths leading to the right goal. As long as you follow Me, you enjoy My protection. You are secure in Me. Dealing with your hard in right ways, that I will show you, brings honor to My name.

“Do not be afraid of the dark shadows appearing to stalk you; including the shadow of death. And do not fear evil. Why? Because the great I AM stands with you. We will face your darkness and trial together. Be assured, I use my rod to rescue and protect you; my staff to guide, support and comfort you. These tools assure you of My presence, calming you and bringing emotional stability and peace.

“I am your Host. When you feel surrounded by your enemies, remember they look on in silence, unable to do anything, as they see how I provide for you, anointing you with sweet oils as I receive you at My table; how I fill your cup to excess. Your enemy observes our bond of friendship, that you are My guest and under My protection, and trembles.

“Not only do I never leave you, I pursue you, chase after you, with my goodness and great love, all the days of your life. And when your final breath leaves your mortal body, even then you will not go on alone. Only I can walk with you on your final spiritual journey; all others must turn back. But, I will take you to where you will dwell in My house, forever.” Psalm 23

As you walk through your hard, know from these words that you are known, loved, cared for, lead, protected, and watched over by your Shepherd-King, whose ultimate goal is to bring you to His home to live with Him forever. 

(Note: This rendering of Psalm 23 is my own. Please read here for the NIV translation: Psalm 23:1-6)

Photo by Ethan Kent on Unsplash