“I will fear no evil for You are with me….”
You, Lord God, are ever present, ever with us. If there is evil threatening, you are there, watching, providing, protecting in whatever way you deem best. If we are living in limbo, uncertain of what is going to happen, when the doors to the future open and we have no idea what is on the other side, we can be sure that you are there, waiting to greet us with the path prepared. As you, Lord, declare in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” In you we can rest.
“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Lord, your shepherd’s rod is a club to beat off attackers; it is powerful, effective, more than sufficient to protect us, for you are undefeatable, invincible, all powerful; and you have already won the battle at the cross.
And then there is your staff, the shepherd’s crook used to guide and correct sheep as they stray. You are faithful to warn us when we wander willfully out of the way: you tap us on the shoulder, or you pull us back–you guide us persistently, even when we insist on rebellion. You are absolutely faithful. Praise you for your wisdom, your love, your faithfulness that assure us of your protection and guidance.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
As the good Shepherd, you bring us into positive places to graze. On the edges of the pasture may lurk wolves, bears, lions, or the great serpent, Satan. Their presence, however, does not need to disturb us, for you are our protector. No one can defeat you, no one can thwart your purposes. We can ignore the threats of the enemy and quietly, peacefully feed on what you have given, resting in your goodness, greatness and glory.
You are our Shepherd, our Warrior King who has defeated the enemy. As we remain in the shelter of your Word, your way, your wisdom, praising you in and for all, we are safe from true harm. You may lead us through many challenges, but in these you will protect and carry us through as we follow you. Praise be to you for your marvelous gift of being our loving, wise and faithful Shepherd. Glory be to you forever and ever.
