“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.”

Psalms 23:1-6 NIV

I preached to our youth last night (we met through google online) on Psalms 23. The struggle is real for these seniors that are missing their prom, award banquets, UIL competitions, sports, and day to day experiences. They are coming to grips with the reality that the other Friday was their last day, and they are working and processing through it.

While we we were breaking down the Psalm 23 chapter, the verse that says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley” really stuck out to me like never before. Notice it says: walk. I would much rather jog, run, drive, or even skip….anything but walk. Walk means that it takes time. Even the “speed” walk is still slower than a jog.

Right now we are walking through this. I told the teens and reminded myself that this could be a long walk…but…He is still there. Don’t believe me? Check this part again, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life”. That promise says God is with us no matter what we are walking through.

While we are WALKING through this, God’s goodness and live will FOLLOW ME all the days of MY life. That’s good news!

Keep walking everybody. Keep close to the shepherd. Keep the faith!