Walking with our Shepherd

Reflection on the 23rd Psalm with Some AI Insight

For most of my eighty-five years I have found great comfort in one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture, the 23rd Psalm. Its words have guided me, grounded me, and reminded me of the steadfast presence of God through every season of my life.

I first came to love this Psalm while in high school and later during my many years of involvement in the Scouting movement, including my role as a God and Country merit badge counselor. I found myself returning to it again and again. During camp devotions - often beneath the stars, or beside a quiet Duck Lake at Boy Scout camp, or gathered around a crackling fire at the D-A scout camp - it was the 23rd Psalm that I shared most often with the boys in my care. I had the honor of being a Scouting volunteer with troops in four states. There’s something about those words, especially when spoken outdoors amid God’s creation, that speaks directly to the heart. Then our daughter came along, and I discovered the wonderful adventures of volunteering with our church youth group, LYO. This beautiful psalm also worked so well with the involvement of adults, whether stateside or with my brothers and sisters in Christ in the East African Konde Diocese in Tanzania, when we all took part in morning devotions.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” …With these simple words, the Psalm opens with a profound truth: we are not alone. We are not wandering without direction. We are being led - not by chance, not by circumstance, but by the hand of a loving Shepherd. In a world where so much seems uncertain, this truth is a foundation we can stand on.

Over my eight decades, I’ve experienced both the calm and the storms of life. There have been green pastures and still waters—times of peace, abundance, and clarity. There have also been valleys - times when shadows felt long and the way ahead was difficult to see. This was especially so when I was away from my family because of housing issues and delays. Through it all, the Shepherd has never left me.

“He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” . . .How many times have we needed that restoration! Life can wear us down. Responsibilities, loss, health struggles, broken relationships - these things weigh heavy on the human heart. Yet God, in His mercy, restores us. He doesn't just patch us up. - He renews us from the inside out. That restoration is something the world cannot offer, but our Shepherd gives freely.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me.” …This verse has taken on deeper meaning for me as the years go by. There is no valley too dark for God's presence. There is no situation so hopeless that He is not already there, walking beside us. As a young man, I took these words as a promise for the future. Now, looking back, I see them as a record of what has already proven true.

And what comfort there is in those next words: “Your rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” …In the ancient world, a shepherd used his rod to protect and his staff to guide. God does both for us. He protects us from harm we cannot see and gently guides us back when we stray. The rod and staff are symbols not of punishment, but of deep love and constant care.

“Thou prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” …Even in the midst of conflict, fear, or uncertainty, God provides. I’ve seen Him do this - opening doors, providing strength, offering peace that made no earthly sense. The table He prepares is not just one of physical nourishment, but of spiritual abundance. When the world seems to oppose us, God’s provision still stands. Ironically enough, even in the secular corporate world he remained by my side.

“You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” …This has been true for me in more ways than I can count. God's blessings have overflowed in my life - through my family, through friendships, through opportunities to serve. Not every day has been easy, but every day has been blessed. That’s what happens when you walk with the Shepherd: even in hardship, there is joy. Even in loss, there is love. Even in the valleys, there is grace.

Finally, the Psalm closes with a promise that echoes into eternity for a person of my age: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” …What a hope we have in those words. God’s goodness and mercy are not occasional visitors; they are faithful companions. They follow us every day—not just on Sundays, not only in good times, but always. And when this earthly journey is done, the Shepherd leads us home.

As I share this reflection, my hope is that you too will find renewed comfort in the 23rd Psalm. Whether you are in green pastures or deep valleys, whether you feel strong or weary, know this: You are not alone. The Shepherd walks with you.

May His presence be your peace. May His voice be your guide. May His promises be your strength. And may His love be the foundation of your every day.

Walking Together with Christ,

Craig and his AI friend