Monsoon: Week 2 - Friday

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

When I was younger, I really disliked making my bed. I really did not enjoy doing it. I thought, I'm just going to get back in my bed at the end of the day, so why not just leave it unmade? As a result of the way I felt, my bed often remained unmade. As an adult, however, I feel very differently. I really care about making my bed every day. Someone once told me that making your bed every day makes you more productive throughout the rest of your day, and I truly believe it. Now, as a result of how I feel, I make my bed every single day. What is the difference between my unmade bed in my childhood and my made bed throughout my adulthood? I care. I care about having a clean home with my bed made every day. Because I care about having my bed made every day, I make my bed. Our actions reflect the things we care about, don't they? The same is true with God. If He cares about us, and He does, we know He is working and acting in each one of our lives. Psalm 23 reminds us of this truth.

David writes in Psalm 23 about God's care and provision in His life. He writes, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need" (verse 1). He does not have to worry because God has perfectly provided for Him. "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). As a result of God's provision, David states that he will not let fear get the best of him because God is with him. And this is the result of knowing that God is your Good Shepherd, who takes care of you and provides for you; you do not have to be scared or fearful. Why does God do all of these things for you? Because He cares. He cares about you, and as a result, He acts and works in your life.

Just like God was David's Shepherd, He is yours, too. What does this mean? Having God as your Shepherd means that you have everything that you need. It also means that you are protected and comforted throughout any monsoon that you are facing. No disease, financial situation, or broken relationship can keep your Shepherd, God, away from you. Lean on your Shepherd today. He cares for you and will work in your life today.

Moving Toward Action

My friend, God cares about you. He cares about your pain. He cares about the pain that every human faces. Sometimes, when we are going through our darkest times, it's easy to forget about other people. When we take our eyes off of our own struggles and help others who are also facing struggles, we receive the perspective shift we need. Think of one person you know who is going through a difficult time and do one thing to help them today. Buy your neighbor groceries. Call that friend you know who is lonely. Babysit for your friend who is a single parent. As you do this, you will be able to remind that person how much God loves them, and you will be reminded to reach out and help others, even in your pain.

Going Deeper

Read Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT)