“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. . . . 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” (Psalm 23:1-4,6).

Psalm 23 is comforting and a witness to God’s faithfulness at life’s end. It’s also so much more. We live in the valley of the shadow of death. Each day brings threats to us and those we love. The valley of the shadow is our home address while we walk this earth.

But here’s a great thing. It doesn’t matter. Because we also walk with the One who passionately loves us and searches every day to bring us pastures of renewal for our bodies and souls. And so the valley of the shadow is also a place of growth and green grass.

He knows what this place is like—he’s walked through the same valley. It was his home address too. But he also knows that this is the beginning, not the end for us, and he gives us rest and good things that help us grow more like him even through disaster.

To what green pasture or quiet water is Jesus leading you? Oh, Lord, let me live into your offered rest!