The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.
-Psalm 23:1

In other translations, I lack nothing. But how can I tangibly believe that? How can I sense peace and hope in the midst of conviction and pain?

I know Jesus is in control.

Psalm 23 begins with this simple yet profound truth: The Lord is our shepherd. He leads us and carries us. And we need to allow Him to do so. Recognizing Jesus’ authority in your life changes everything. The second you acknowledge that Christ is fully in control and you fully aren’t, every aspect of your life will be impacted, no exceptions.

Jesus is on his throne and He reigns over every area of your life. You live for Him and only Him. You can’t control who watches or judges you, so don’t let your life turn into some grand audition or extravagant show. You can’t really change other people’s feelings, so don’t grasp for them.

You can’t control your enoughness. Quite frankly, you don’t need to. You don’t need to be enough for anyone because Jesus already declared His enoughness on the cross. Striving to be in control of how you appear to others will throw your whole life out of balance, and this isn’t the mission Jesus calls us to. God doesn’t promise and provide us with competition, He promises and provides us with rest. He insists. Put to rest your need to be enough and find your ultimate rest in Jesus.

Celebrate this victory.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
- Psalm 23:4

You can’t control your valleys. Sometimes pain is unavoidable. Yes this pain is cruel and evil, but we have no reason to fear it. We are not alone in these valleys. The Good Shepherd accompanies us. He never wastes an ounce of valley-breathed pain, these valleys actually breed intimacy with Him.

You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
- Psalm 1:5

Let your cup overflow. Let your pain be a platform for the gospel’s influential power. Experience this movement. Taste and see.

I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever.
- Psalm 23:6

You can’t control your future. But that’s okay. Your whole entire life is drowned out in all of eternity. This cultivates perspective, which cultivates peace. Today is a speck of sand compared to eternity’s shore. Despite this vastness, God individually sees you and individually loves you.

If you want to experience the peace and joy of Christ, you must live this life, not in a position of control, but a position of surrender. Trust that the God who created the universe is equally capable of making something just as breathtaking out of your life. If this word has just knocked you down, stay there a moment on your knees and seek the face of God, then let Him pick you back up.

We aren’t made to be in control, but we were made by The One who is.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely 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

Extra verses:

John 10:11

John 14:1-3

Romans 3:23

2 Corinthians 5:21

Psalm 139