Daily devotion – Words of comfort from a shepherd boy
There are times when our hearts struggle and we think we will not make it through. When a loved one passes, when a relationship fails, when we see tragedy and cannot change the outcome.
We live in a fallen world, and each day it continues to fall even more around us. We need help, we need rescuing. I love David’s beloved Psalm that gives us a snapshot, a kind of over view of his life as a young shepherd boy looking after his father Jessies sheep.
I have read those words of Psalm 23 at every funeral and memorial I have ever overseen, and that has been a vast number over the years. Yet each and every time I have uttered those blessed words, they have been a very real prayer from my own heart and lips even though I am carrying out a service for someone else.
When you face an attack, or a breakdown, or a period of grief, I encourage you to take the words of a young shepherd boy named David and read them aloud to your own heart.
As you utter every word, they will carry with them the blessed healing and comfort of God that will bring strength to your soul and a peace that passes all understanding to your heart.
1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, 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.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
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.