I memorized Psalm 23 long ago. For whatever reason, my mind is usually set to survival mode, even when everything around me seems at peace. The sky could be clear, and the air could be still. And yet, I find myself preparing for an upcoming storm.

Psalm 23 meets me in those moments.

There are times when I go weeks without reciting it, and then there are times when the words pass my lips steadily throughout the day. I meditate on each word to remember who I have my life to. To remind myself of who holds my life preciously in His hands.

The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

In a world that celebrates independence, I admit how deeply I need my Shepherd. I was never meant to carry the weight of life on my own. Relying on my own efforts, I make poor decisions. I grow weary and set off on a path that looks easier. But my Shepherd knows the way. He sees what I cannot. He walks ahead of me. I only have to follow.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters

In a world covered in rocky terrain, He leads me to pastures rich with provision and heals the scrapes I get along the way. He guides me through peaceful waters so that I won’t get swept away.

He restores my soul

He revives my weary soul. He strengthens when I am weak. He gives hope when I feel I have nothing left. I don’t have to put myself together when my Shepherd repairs what has fallen apart.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Going my own way would be for my own glory, and I would lose myself in the process. His path is steady and sure, full of purpose beyond myself. It’s one that points back to the Savior we all desperately need.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.

There are dark valleys I can’t avoid, full of shadows of grief, uncertainty, and heavy burdens. But I do not walk through them alone. My Shepherd’s light overpowers the shadows, and the darkness no longer defines the journey; My walk with Him does.

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

He is both protective and corrective. He strikes the wolves who come to devour, and He draws me back when I begin to stray. I am secured.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

Though I have no honor to claim, He invites me to a place of honor at His table. He desires fellowship with me. In the presence of my enemies, He calls me His own. The hostility that surrounds me fades into the background in light of His glory.

You anoint my head with oil.

I bow before my Shepherd as He marks my head with rich, soothing oil. I am blessed, sanctified, and healed.

My cup overflows.

He pours generously. He gives more than I need. More than I deserve. His cup of mercy and blessing never runs dry. I will never thirst again.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,

I am not forgotten or alone. He relentlessly pursues me, for I am His.

And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

This place is not my forever home. He has prepared a place where He will wipe away every tear and joyfully welcome me into eternity with Him. He is my forever hope, and He is my forever home.

I encourage you to memorize Psalm 23. Tuck the lyrics into your heart so that in times when it is broken and weary, you can preach them to your soul. Let it remind you of who your Shepherd is and the faithful ways He cares for you.

Songs for seasons such as these: