Courage from the Shepherd

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Our reading, titled Courage from the Shepherd, was written by Lisa M. Samra. The nearly 107,000 people in the stadium stood in anticipation as Texas A&M college football kicker Seth Small took the field with only two seconds left in the game. With A&M tied 38-38 against the best team in the country, a perennial football powerhouse, a successful field goal would seal an epic upset victory. Looking calm, Small lined up to take the kick.

The stadium erupted in pandemonium after the ball sailed through the uprights for the winning score. When questioned by reporters how he prepared for such an intense moment, Small said he kept repeating to himself the first verse of Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd.

I lack nothing. When Small needed strength and reassurance, he drew on the deeply personal metaphor of God as shepherd. Psalm 23 is a beloved Psalm because it assures us that we can be at peace or comforted because we have a loving and trustworthy shepherd who actively cares for us. David testified both to the reality of fear in intense or difficult situations as well as the comfort God provides.

The word translated comfort conveys assurance or the confidence and courage to keep going because of his guiding presence. When walking into challenging circumstances, not knowing what the outcome will be, we can take courage as we repeat the gentle reminder that the good shepherd walks with us. Here's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd.

I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil.

My cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for being our loving and trustworthy shepherd, guiding us through both peaceful meadows and dark valleys. As we face life's challenges, grant us the assurance that you walk beside us, providing comfort and strength for each step of our journey. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening today. My name is Brenna Holzgla, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.