by Lorraine Taylor
“Jesus is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Jesus makes me lie down in green pastures: Jesus leads me beside the still waters. Jesus restores my soul: Jesus leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Jesus is with me; Jesus’ rod and His staff comfort me. Jesus prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Jesus anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of my Lord Jesus forever.” – Psalm 23
When the pressures of life find us inadequate, and we feel overwhelmed, we can trust in a Lord who longs to shepherd us in all the hard ‘stuff.’
Our Lord is more than adequate to comfort and provides hope in the valleys as well as on the mountain tops.
Jesus, as our faithful, kind, gentle, merciful Shepherd, is intimately near, and His life joins with us in every season of uncertainty that stretches us beyond our own capacity to endure.
When the clouds of suffering darken the horizon, we can intentionally turn our attention upon the Lord.
When we actively choose to participate in his life, we can enter the eye of calm within the swirling storm and graze upon the greenest pastures of his kingdom.
In this safe harbor, our Lord draws each one close to his sanctuary, a balm of holy love.
His light and hope glimmer through the haze where we discover a Lord whose love pursues and caringly shepherds us in the desert of difficulties.
In challenging seasons, he lays before us a glorious feast, inviting us to come and drink from the endless pools of living waters and partake of the expansive meadowlands of renewal.
Jesus tenderly leads in the tough seasons of adversity, protecting, embracing, and holding each one by a galvanizing grace – offering his life as sustenance; restoring faith.
Prayer:
My prayer and encouragement for you today is the God of all comfort is in you and always present. He has promised to never leave or forsake you in your time of need. Jesus your good shepherd invites you to him today and partake of his divine love for the grace to endure and persevere whatever troubles your heart.
Lorraine Taylor lives in Upstate NY with her husband. Her first book: Hope Rises from a Shattered Innocence will be released around the summer of 2021.
