I had my first experience with death when I was 11 years old. My great grandma passed away after a short bout with cancer. At her graveside service, my grandma asked if I would recite Psalm 23. It was a chapter of scripture I had memorized in school and my grandma said she knew it would have meant so much to great grandma for me to share it at her service.
This week, Stacy and I received the devastating news that her father had passed away unexpectedly. It hit us all hard, but we’ve found comfort in knowing that he loved the Lord and is in His presence. One of the blessings of knowing Jesus is knowing that we will get to see him again.
As I was praying and processing this loss, the Lord reminded me of reading Psalm 23 at my great grandma’s service. It’s such a powerful Psalm that reminds us of the goodness of the Great Shepherd. And for my blog this week, I felt led to simply share this Psalm:
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
These verses remind us that God provides, He gives us rest, He helps us experience peace, He restores our wearied souls, He is with us in the dark valleys, He comforts, He blesses and He is waiting to welcome us into His presence forever.
We have a Great Shepherd who loves us and cares for us. He is with us here on this earth as we navigate the challenges of living in a falling world. And He continues to prepare a place for those who love Him to dwell forever and ever.
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