Few passages in Scripture bring as much comfort as Psalm 23. For me personally, it’s the chapter I say when lying in bed too anxious for sleep. It’s the lyrics to my favorite worship song, Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy by Shane and Shay, that I often listen to when in search of stillness. It’s the imagery of the shepherd I use to remind myself I’m not meant to be in control. But this psalm isn’t only a promise of green pastures and still waters—it’s also a gentle acknowledgment that valleys will come. Pain, suffering, and uncertainty are part of the path, even with the Shepherd by our side.
I want to share a reflection from Emily P. Freeman, a writer and spiritual director whose voice has helped me slow down and pay attention to God’s presence in my own life. I first came to know Emily through her podcast and book The Next Right Thing. Her words continue to bring me clarity and calm in a noisy world. This year I followed her Lenten devotional series, The Quiet Collection, and came across a thoughtful meditation on Psalm 23—one that gently reminded me that God’s goodness and mercy aren’t conditional on our circumstances. They follow us even there.
Here’s a portion of her reflection:
[The 23rd Psalm is, in many ways, a psalm of the people and seems to get a free pass because of its comforting familiarity. It’s beautiful, really. But the concept of comfort is a surface understanding of the intent behind this psalm because while it has most certainly comforted us in times of death, it has the potential to reveal to us a new kind of life.
But first we have to come to grips with one reality: no one is immune to suffering, and struggle is a part of life.
The Lord is my shepherd and I will walk through the darkest valley. The Lord is the host of the table and I still have enemies.
Through good and evil
God in darkness and in light,
paradox is the way]
Let those words sink in. Two seemingly opposite realities that need each other. What if the presence of suffering doesn’t cancel out the presence of goodness and mercy? What if they walk together—God’s comfort and our pain—not in conflict, but in companionship?
Lord, how comforting it is to think of our struggles and your hope walking hand-in-hand. Thank you, God, for restoring our souls, lying us by still waters, and being with us in the valley. May we remember along with pain and struggle, your presence is promised. Amen
-Ashley Carr Soter, Director of Young Adult Ministries
