Are there things in your life that you need? Do you need restoration; or are you walking through a situation that seems dark and scary? Psalm 23 takes us through God’s promises to be with us and look after everything we need. It is in Him that we can find true rest, peace, and love.
Hope Media
Day 1
Scripture: Psalms 23:1
What do you want?
What do you feel is missing in your life? Imagine having what you desire right now and knowing that God is of far greater worth – to not lack anything because God is your shepherd, and like a shepherd having a hundred sheep, if He loses one of them, leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one that is lost, until it is found (Luke 15:4).
When David proclaims, ‘I shall not want,’ he isn’t suggesting a life devoid of desires or needs. Having God as our shepherd is holding onto the truth of who God is – our refuge, our King, our Father. When we transcend to something beyond our human needs and desires (as wonderful as they are), we hold onto an eternal truth that lasts much longer. Knowing that our heavenly Father is attentive to our every need, we place our trust in Him – our true satisfaction and joy.
He is closer than ever. He knows each of us intimately, guiding us along paths of righteousness and comforting us in times of trial. Like sheep, we can rest securely in His care, knowing that He leads us to places of nourishment and peace.
And if today, you are focused on what’s lacking in your life, may you take a step and rest into the arms of our shepherd and God. May this verse serve as a source of comfort. Trust in the Lord’s provision today. Know that He is our faithful shepherd who leads us into more than we can ever want or desire.
Day 2
Scripture: Psalms 23:2
Go deeper
How lovely – green pastures and quiet water. A perfect place for rest, reflection, prayer, thankfulness, joy, and blessing. Sounds ideal.
It reminds me of many a trip into the Blue Mountains (west of Sydney) as a child with my family and as a teenager with youth groups. Hiking the trails, swimming in the water holes, lying in the sun, and reflecting on creation.
This is a time to be still and listen to God. A quiet place.
Oh, that’s easy for you to write, you’re thinking. I have a house full of kids, a demanding job, family responsibilities, and no time for thinking let alone quiet contemplation. Yep, I hear you.
It’s easy to make excuses not to engage with God. Instead of answering emails late at night or watching that late-night TV show, why don’t you carve out some time with God? Pray about it and ask God to show you where there is time to use that will allow Him to speak clearly, and don’t find an excuse to put it off.
Find the time to enjoy your relationship with God and make it deeper and more nourishing.
Day 3
Scripture: Psalms 23:3
For His name’s sake
Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and much-loved psalms or scripture passages in the whole Bible. Surprisingly, it is a best go-to psalm for difficult seasons and funerals, although it is tremendously relevant for normal daily living and is foundational for the Christian life.
There are benefits of having ‘the Lord’ as our shepherd, carer, guide, and comforter. These are more than just ‘nice’ words. They are prophetic faith statements regarding what God has given to every believer. Compare this to Ephesians 1:3 – ‘All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ’ (NLT).
Although the psalm offers immense benefits to the believer, such as ‘He restores my soul,’ it also offers an immense privilege to live not just for us but for God. He leads us in right paths (righteousness) for His own name’s sake. Imagine that – a life lived for a higher purpose, for a higher reputation, for a higher name. For God.
David, the former shepherd boy, wrote this psalm from experience when he was still a young man and before he was crowned king. As history proved, when he chose the right path, he brought honour to the name of God. When he chose his own path, he did the opposite.
We thank God for the beauty of King David’s psalm and for the brutal honesty of his recorded life, and hence, we humbly pray that we may live in such a way that honours the name of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Day 4
Scripture: Psalms 23:4
Finding comfort in the face of fear
Psalm 23:4 offers a profound reflection on the nature of faith and fear. In this verse, the psalmist encapsulates the essence of trust amidst adversity.
Life is often likened to a journey through valleys and mountains, filled with moments of joy and sorrow, triumph and trial. The darkest valley symbolises our deepest fears, the moments of uncertainty, loss and pain that we encounter along the way. These valleys may be illness, grief, failure or existential doubt – looming large, casting doubts upon our hearts. Yet, in this darkness the psalmist declares an unwavering trust in the presence and protection of God. ‘I will fear no evil, for you are with me,’ proclaims a defiant faith that transcends circumstances. It’s a declaration of confidence in the unfailing love and sovereignty of God.
The imagery of the rod symbolises authority and protection, used to fend off predators and guide the flock. The staff represents guidance and support, gently leading and correcting the sheep along the right path. In God’s hands, these instruments of care become sources of comfort and promise, assuring us that we are never alone in our struggles. As we meditate on Psalm 23:4, we’re invited to embrace a perspective shift. Instead of succumbing to fear and despair in the darkest moments of life, we’re called to fix our gaze upon the presence of God who walks beside us through every shadowy valley. His presence is our source of courage; His guidance our anchor in the storm.
May we find solace in the promise of Psalm 23:4, trusting that even in the darkest valleys, God’s light shines brightest.
Day 5
Scripture: Psalms 23:5
Enemies in plain sight
We don’t often use the label ‘enemy’ – someone or something that can harm or weaken you. Who are the people in your life who have harmed or weakened you – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually? Perhaps time has passed, yet the memories of these wounds rise from the depths – the pain, the cruel words, lies, gossip, rejection, insecurity, fear, anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem, continuing to harm and weaken you. People have broken your trust, betrayed you, taken advantage of you.
Enter the shepherd. The God of the universe is not influenced by your enemies. He is not scared of them. They have no power over Him. He doesn’t get caught up in the gossip, the lies, the mocking, the belittling, or the ridicule. Instead, He silences your enemies by showing them how important you are to Him; how protected, loved and favoured. Think about this feast prepared for you, in plain sight of your enemies. Look around that table. The creator of the universe, the good shepherd who laid His life down for you, for me – silencing the voices and actions of your enemies, those feelings, those fears, that pain, through His favour, His provision, His protection, His refreshing, and His abundance that He willingly and lovingly shares with you.
Look around that table again. God doesn’t take counsel from your tormentors – those who mock you, defraud you, disregard you. God knows who you are and loves you more deeply than you can imagine. He can restore you, refresh you, protect you, and provide for you in abundance. Focus on Him.
Day 6
Scripture: Psalms 23:6
God, where is Your goodness?
It had been a long couple of years stewarding the life of my son with additional needs. Despite progress being made in accessing new forms of therapy, medications, and despite the prayers of so many, it felt as if each day we were taking a step back in his ability to cope with the demands of life. My husband and I were battle weary to say the least. Anxiety, grief, and despair felt like weeds that we were unable to pull up at the root. No matter how much we trimmed them back, they always returned in abundance. I turned to Psalm 23 in the hopes of some comfort. But in reading those familiar words all I felt was anger. ‘God, where are these quiet waters, where is my refreshing and where is the daily evidence of your goodness in my life?’
But then His still small voice showed itself. ‘What if this is my goodness?’ What if anxiety is the very thing that draws you to my refuge? What if grief finds you seeking comfort in my love? What if despair causes you to seek the real hope only found in Jesus? And what if, in finding these things, you become a vessel of My love, hope, and rescue – one who can be my ambassador in a broken world revealing the truth of My goodness?
I realised in this moment all the goodness that had come each day of these long years. How I had formed authentic and rich connections. How I had found depths of healing I would have never experienced if it were not for my circumstance. How I had gained empathy and understanding for parents in a similar struggle, and that God could use me as an authority on hope in their worlds. So maybe His manifesting goodness and love looks different to how I had imagined – but I reckon it also looks better.
Day 7
Scripture: Psalms 23:6
The best is yet to come
What kind of dwelling do you live in? Is it everything you’ve hoped for? Or will it do for now? Maybe you’re living somewhere that you just can’t wait to get out of. Most of us don’t live in our ideal dwelling, and that can be a good thing as it helps us appreciate that we have a better home coming. Some of us love the place we live in and that can also be a good thing. Enjoying the place we live in can help us appreciate God’s goodness and provision.
This well-known psalm written by the most famous king of Israel, David, ends with this belief that at the end of his days he would ‘dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ David was not only certain of the Lord’s goodness and provision in his immediate circumstances, but also into eternity. What he’s saying here is that in life and in death, his true home is with God.
The house of the Lord is far greater than an idealised version of a house on earth. It is literally God dwelling with us. And Psalm 84 tells us it’s the place you want to be. It is the place of His protection, the place where His favour and honour are found. It is the place where true peace, joy, and strength continually abound – and it is the dwelling place of the forgiven, the true home of all those who trust in Jesus. We already know this dwelling, in part, as Jesus lives in us. But we too, like David before us, will know this in all its fullness when Jesus returns and calls us home.