Psalm 23:4 - 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.
The apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove his "thorn in the flesh," a troubling illness or physical condition. The Lord did not answer as Paul hoped, but He told His apostle that His grace was sufficient. The Lord's power is made perfect in weakness. So, assured of God's grace and power, Paul declared, "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). Pleased to be safe in his Savior's unfailing care, Paul was content.
Our psalm expresses similar contentment and trust in Jesus, who said of Himself, "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10:11a). We are His precious sheep and even though we are weak, we know that our Shepherd is strong. Secure in the watchful care of our Shepherd, we have everything we need—green pastures, still waters, and our trusted Shepherd to lead the way. Even in dangerous circumstances, we are content and fear no evil because our Shepherd remains with us at all times. As He watches over His flock, He carries the rod of His Word to drive away predators as He surrounds us with the comfort of His promises. He also uses His Word as a staff to guide His wandering sheep.
Jesus our Good Shepherd laid down His life to save His sheep. On the first Easter morning, He took up His life again, rising in triumph over sin, death, and Satan, over every foe that threatens His flock. Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). As we follow our Shepherd, we walk in the way of the cross. Jesus did not promise that we would have no trouble or that we would never approach death's shadowed valley. He has promised that no one will snatch us out of His hand.
The Good Shepherd walks with us through all of the events and circumstances of our lives, through all that is good and peaceful and all that is frightening and deadly. He leads us safely along the paths of righteousness, guiding us with the staff of His Word. We will fear no evil even in the shadowed valley of death, because our Shepherd has already walked in triumph through that valley and He will walk there with us. We are weak and wandering sheep. But safe in the care of Jesus our Good Shepherd, we can announce with the apostle Paul, "When I am weak, then I am strong." We are strong, but not because of some inner strength of our own. We are strong sheep because our Shepherd is with us.
WE PRAY: Jesus, You walk with me every day. I am content and strong in Your care. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
1. If you have a "thorn in the flesh," have you taken your situation to God in prayer?
2. What would a conscientious shepherd do to take care of his sheep? How does Jesus prove He's our Good Shepherd?
3. How can we be like a good shepherd to others?
Today's Bible Readings: Amos 7-9 Galatians 2
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