This post is part of a devotional series based on our 2019 Bible Reading Calendar.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live. – Psalm 23:6 (Christian Standard Bible)
Psalm 23 often is read at funerals. Some versions even talk about the “valley of the shadow of death” in verse 4. This psalm, however, is not about death. It is a psalm of life. We see this in verse 6 where David spoke of God’s goodness following him all the days of his life.
The psalm is about God lovingly guiding his people through the ups and downs, twist and turns of life in a sin-corrupted world. Life has it moments where we enjoy green pastures and still waters (23:2) and it has it moments where we feel the gloom of the darkest valleys (23:4). In both cases, and everything in between, God is there.
He leads us beside the quiet waters and down paths of righteousness. And in the valleys of darkness, he shows his presence and provides comfort. And he does this all because he is the shepherd.
In John 10, Jesus spoke of himself being the good shepherd. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus feeds, protects, and guides. Jesus walks with us, and indeed through the Holy Spirit walks in us, all the days of our lives. He guides us through the calm and the storm, and he never leaves our side.
Then, in the end, he will lead us home into his joy-filled forever-Kingdom.
First Baptist Church 