The Great Shepherd — Sunday Thought For The Day

Earlier today I was reflecting upon the 23rd Psalm; especially the fourth verse, which reads: “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.”

We did not publicize it, but earlier this year I suffered a serious illness that had me bedridden for approximately seven weeks, but God was faithful. The tests for cancer were negative; yet despite that good news, it was deemed a certainty that I would need surgery to correct the problem. However, just days before the schedule surgery date, that too was found to be unnecessary.

My days of illness during that period were long and painful. But the one constant that I had through it all was that God was faithful. I knew that God would never break His precious promises, most specifically His promise: “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5; KJV)

I share this to say that sometimes we go through trials and tribulations because God is getting our attention; sometimes we go through same for God to show forth His majesty; sometimes things we go through are just the realities of life, and of course there are times the trials and tribulations are a combination of all three. But the one constant is that God never changes and God never leaves us.

What a comfort to know that we have a Heavenly Father who is so full of grace, mercy, and love. What a comfort to know that as Christians and thus the children of God, we can say with confidence that “Yea, though I walk through the valley or the shadow of death,” we need not fear.

Do you know Jesus as your Lord, Savior, and Shepherd? I share with you that there is no greater comfort in the midst of whatever trial or tribulation we face, than knowing without question that: The Lord is your/our Shepherd.

READ: Psalms 23 (KJV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth 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 thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth 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 for ever.