Listen

The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff— they protect me.

Psalm 23:1-4

Think

Sheep don’t always have it easy. Sure, there are days when sheep find themselves in grassy green meadows, resting beside cooling waters. But other times, sheep may need to travel through dangerous, dark valleys.

Being Jesus’s sheep doesn’t mean that we get to avoid dark valleys. It does mean that we are not alone when we walk through them. Jesus himself goes with us, leading us on with his voice, protecting us, and guiding us.

The next time you are feeling like you’re in a dark valley surrounded by danger, look for the signs that Jesus is with you: hear his voice in the words of a song or hymn, feel protected as you spend time with those who love you, follow his guidance as you read scripture and pray. Remember that you belong to him always, in times of plenty or times of need.

Jane Claspy Nesmith

Pray

Loving God, help me to remember that you are with me, whether my days are sunny or dark, whether I’m in a peaceful place or a dangerous place. Open my eyes to the signs that you are with me, and let those signs bring me comfort and strength. Amen.

Go

Go, knowing that the good shepherd is with you

In grassy meadows,

Beside restful waters,

Through shadowy dark valleys.

Go, knowing that the good shepherd, Jesus Christ,

Claims you as his own.