The Lord Is Still Your Shepherd - Your Nightly Prayer - March 8th
The Lord Is Still Your Shepherd
Your Nightly Prayer
by Kristine Brown
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” - Psalm 23:1 ESV
SOMETHING TO PONDER
As evening settles in, I like to look back on the day and give thanks to God for the little things—the moments of blessing that may have passed by unnoticed and unappreciated. Warm sunshine, a text from a friend, or even a memory that came to mind at just the right time brought a much-needed smile.
But some days, gratitude is harder to find. Instead of reflecting on the good things of God, I find myself dragging into bed, hoping with all hope that tomorrow will be better. That this particularly bad day won’t run into the next, and I’ll finally get past this dry, parched season. On those days, I need to remind myself that even in the most difficult seasons, God is still my Shepherd.
Psalm 23 opens with a powerful and heartfelt declaration. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” The simplicity of the psalmist’s words speaks a profound truth in the midst of our pain. God is sovereign. We can rest knowing he is in control and cares about our struggles. Yet, even with this knowledge, our hearts can ache with loneliness as the difficulties of life persist. When struggles seem like they will never end, we may be tempted to question if God is still with us and if he still cares.
The New Living Translation puts it this way, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” We are cared for by the Good Shepherd who watches over us—not only when gratitude is easy to find, and blessings are easy to spot, but also when we are walking through the darkest valley imaginable.
So, what does a good shepherd do for his flock? How do we know we can count on him through the treacherous path ahead? According to the following verses of Psalm 23, a good shepherd guides, comforts, protects, and provides.
Our Shepherd Still Guides.
“…he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” (Psalm 23:2b-3 NLT)
Our Shepherd Still Comforts and Protects.
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Our Shepherd Still Provides.
“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.” (Psalm 23:5)
If you’re feeling today as though God has left you to fend for yourself, let these truths of his character renew your mind and calm your heart. Even when you feel alone, God is still there to comfort you. Even on the days you’re grasping for gratitude, he will still provide. And even when you walk through the valley, your Good Shepherd will still be by your side.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Lord,
This season is hard, and it seems like it will never end. I want to believe you are still with me, but I feel so alone. I need to know you are here by my side. Thank you for the reminder of who you are in Psalm 23. In every circumstance, you are ready to give comfort, protection, provision, and guidance. You are my Shepherd—yesterday, today, and always. Even in the darkest times, you are in control, and you know my needs before I ask. You will never leave me to fend for myself, and for that I am grateful. When I can’t see the path ahead, Lord, I don’t have to be afraid. With you as my Shepherd, I have all that I need. In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Psalm 23 defines God as our guide, comforter, protector, and provider. Which description of God’s character speaks to you the most in this season of your life?
2. As this day comes to a close, remind yourself that even if you don’t see it, God is still beside you. Let that truth bring a renewed sense of peace.
3. Repeat this evening’s key verse a few times as part of your nightly routine.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit:©Unsplash/Biegun Wschodni
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