DC Devotion: Psalm 23

 BY NANCY (DALTON) HOLLOWELL, NEONATAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT IN GRAND RAPIDS, MI

Psalm 23 is a passage that has brought tremendous comfort to me in my own walk with Christ. As you take a moment to read this Psalm of David in its entirety, I challenge you to close your eyes and picture the imagery that is used in each part. What jumps out to you? Personally, I am captivated by the picture of a quiet moment, sitting alongside still waters (vs. 2) in the presence of my savior. The daily demands of life often leave me feeling as if I’m swimming against a strong current. The chaos of the waters of life pushes against me and often threatens to overwhelm me. Then I read the words, “He leads me beside still waters.” It’s no surprise that David states in the following verse (3) that the Lord restores his soul.

And yet, God sometimes chooses to not still the rough waters, but rather, walk with us through them. In verse 4, there is reference to walking “through the valley of the shadow of death.” David fears no evil because the rod of his shepherd is with him and brings him comfort. Even in the very presence of our enemies, God prepares us a table to rest and to be with him (vs. 5). What reassurance that brings.

David ends the Psalm with an anthem. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” (vs. 6). Sometimes his goodness and mercy look like moments of rest beside quiet waters. Other times, the most tender comfort is to simply know he sits with us, even in the midst of the storm. No matter the circumstances, our savior brings us the gentle reassurance we need as he whispers to us, “You are not alone.”

Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.