I love wearing a warm sweater on a cold winter day. As the wind and snow are whistling outside, I am warm and protected from all that cold.

I woke up this morning after a tough night of sleep troubled in my heart over things that are out of my control. I read Psalm 23 and was deeply comforted. It is like a warm sweater for the soul.

Psalm 23 :1-4

“The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul.

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

for the sake of His name.

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”

There are all kinds of shepherds in this world, and not all of them are great at what they do. Yet, to have a Shepherd who is all-wise, all-powerful, who sees up the hill and around the corner, a Shepherd who has only my best interest at heart, that is something. The Lord, who is our Shepherd, is fully trustworthy and faithful.

When I think of having to travel down a road I don’t want to go on and yet must, as I read this Psalm, it brings peace because of the One who walks with me. There are many things to fear or be deeply frustrated over, but to know the One who is with us - if we could hear Him say anything today, it would be this.

“Do not fear my child, I am with you.”

I think of the courage that comes to a fearful child’s heart when they walk holding the hand of their dad. Courage is renewed in that child because of the one who is with them. Hope is too. That is just how God strengthens us. He calms our fears such that peace can finally seep into the soul. We are refreshed, renewed and ready for whatever is ahead.

Dear Father,

Thank for You for being my Shepherd. You lead me through the storms. You do not back down or give up because it is too hard. Thank You for the strength You give. You are my faithful comforter and I rest in You.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.