Where do you need comfort today? Perhaps there’s something weighing on your heart and you just want a close friend to sit next to you. Maybe you’re stretched too thin. Maybe your physical body aches or is causing you anxiety that takes your breath away.
We all have dark days. Life can feel overwhelming, overshadowing God’s goodness, and we slip into valleys that steal our trust, peace, and sense of security. “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me,” writes the author of Psalm 23:4.
I think the reason why Psalm 23 is such a popular passage is because the imagery puts us at ease. The psalmist depicts a God who walks alongside us, who relieves our burdens, and who knows what we need and freely gives it. We aren’t without guidance or support. Our Good Shepherd has made a path for us.
This week, I found myself at a local retreat center. Surrounded by pine and cypress trees, I took two days to step away from work and Instagram (mostly) so I could more intentionally pray and listen for God’s voice.
The reason why I desired this time away is because my significant other and I are preparing for engagement. More than anything, I long for this to be a time of joy and excitement—unmarred by worry. But alongside this excitement, are some very real, dark fears for me. As a thirty-five year old woman with chronic health issues, there are many hard realities we have to consider in this shared decision. I find myself lying awake at night, ruminating over questions I can’t fully answer this side of marriage.
Can I be a fully-present partner? Will I have enough energy to care for a child? Will I have time to keep the restorative practices in place that help my body function well? What will it feel like to give up the solitude I’ve had for so long?
This is real life, friends. Darkness and anxiety dominate my thoughts when I stop trusting that God is guiding our relationship (which I do believe He is!). But stepping away from the noise helped focus my mind on God’s Word again.
The next time you find yourself with a really dark day, take comfort. You are not alone. When trouble comes, Psalm 23:4 is a beautiful prayer to remind ourselves that God is with us and offers His guiding presence.
I fear no danger, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
—Psalm 23:4
We can breathe more deeply, trusting that Christ holds all things together, including us. Our valleys will look different for each of us. But they are bound together by this shared hope: Christ is with us in the midst of every sad, chaotic, sick, or lonely hour. Ultimately, we don’t have to fear danger or trouble. His comfort is near and freely given.
Many good verses in one passage! I love “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.” As long as I have Jesus and follow Him, Goodness and Mercy follows Me wherever I go and I will always have a place with Jesus in His Kingdom!
This psalm had become so familiar it had lost it’s touch on me. But slowing down and studying it was like an oasis in the desert. One new thing I learned is about “your rod”. I read that this is a club that a shepherd uses to count the sheep. What a wonderful reminder that not one of us will be lost.
As a fellow chronic health fighter, YOU are enough – you will be present when you can, you will have help when you need, and you will be a loving parent if you choose to have children. I ask God for his creativity in your heart and mind to honor the limits God has graciously given you.
Nothing with the Lord. How amazing no matter my darkest days he’s with me. @Taylor you’re right his loss! Dating has taught me so much about myself even if it’s the most annoying thing I’ve ever done haha. You’re always one day closer to finding somebody who fits you. I struggle with the anxieties of dating and what comes ons you find your person. What if I wouldn’t even make a good wife or enjoy it. I’ve lived alone for almost 10 years and honestly… I’m good at it haha. Praying for all you ladies tonight!
Today has been soo busy I wish I would have gotten on here early to read this. Such a great message for us gals trying to navigate dating and singleness. It is soo comforting to know we lack
The Lord is my Shepherd. I used to cite this verse as I drove home from work after a long hard day, then stuck in traffic, and I started with “the Lord is my Shepherd” and I could not get pass that. Just like that, tears were flowing down, I started sobbing like crazy… like a floodgate was lifted, and I was so light by the end of it. There was a song that says something down that line, what if tears come in the form of our healing (“Blessings” by Laura Story). It truly was for me on the day. My Shepherd was enough. He was more than enough. It took me years to realize this. But I am glad that now I know He is my Shepherd, who is willing to leave the 99 to pursue the 1. He is the Shepherd that is willing to go after the wolf risking his life for his lamb, while the hired servant would not bother. He is the One that would make me lie down in green pastures and besides the still water. Glory be to our True Shepherd. Lifting up prayers alongside you dear she’s. May we rest assured that He cares when we cast our burdens to Him. Be blessed dear sisters.
I really needed this today. Psalms 23:4!
I love this psalm. It just gives me instant peace while reading all of the imagery that goes along with it. I pray that i would walk through this life with the awareness and peace that God is with me every step of the way.