The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd.
I always have more than enough.
He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.
His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss.
That’s where he restores and revives my life.
He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure
and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness
so that I can bring honor to his name.
Lord, even when your path takes me through
the valley of deepest darkness,
fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your love takes away my fear.
I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.
You become my delicious feast
even when my enemies dare to fight.
You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit;
you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows.
So why would I fear the future?
For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life.
Then afterward, when my life is through,
I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you! | Psalm 23 (TPT)
I hear the Lord saying, “I am not a far-off God who is distant and aloof; I am an up close and personal, ever-present, and ready-to-help-you God. I know your words before they’re even on your tongue. I know those burdens you carry, even when others don’t; I’m aware of it all, and I long to help you.
“My child, you weren’t meant to carry these things. Allow Me to be your burden bearer. I am your peace, even when the storms of this life are raging against you. I am the God who goes before you and levels the gates of bronze (Isaiah 45:2). I’m the God who neither sleeps nor slumbers. I am walking alongside you, regardless of how you presently feel.
“I’m not a far-off God. When you feel empty and alone, I’m the one who sticks closer than a brother. My presence surrounds you like a shield; you can draw comfort and strength from Me. Beloved, be encouraged, for I am very near to you.”
“The word is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we proclaim (Romans 10:8).