The past few weeks have been filled with terrible tragedies. Shootings, protests, government coups, and terrorism have dominated the headlines. The sad news that comes to us every day is almost overwhelming. At times, I am sickened by the events that transpire around us, and at other times I am worried that I have become hard-hearted to the pain of the people in this world. With so many dreadful events taking place, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless.
This is why I love the last verse of the 23rd Psalm. It reminds us of the great hope that is in God, our shepherd. The sheep in this psalm did not have an easy life. Food was scarce, there were enemies all around, and the journey they took was often through the darkest of places. Even though the life of the sheep was often not an easy life, the sheep could be sure of one thing. No matter what the environment was like around them, “Goodness and Mercy” were present as well.
The troubles and tragedies of this world can overcome our vision of hope. We become overwhelmed when we focus on the sadness around us. When we are overcome with this sorrow, we forget that tragedies are also accompanied by, “Goodness and mercy.” The events of the past week (Minnesota, Louisiana, Dallas, Nice, and Turkey) are sad and devastatingly wicked events. The goodness and mercy that was found in these events is the presence of a loving God who, in the midst of dark valleys, continuing to guide his sheep to His home, “The house of the Lord” where they can find healing and peace. I am deeply thankful that even in the darkest parts of this journey of life, the good and merciful presence of God, our shepherd is with us.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
