Psalm 23:1-5 NASB “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I 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 have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.”

So verses 1-3 sound pretty good to me: “I shall not want,” “green pastures,” and “quiet waters.” That’s what I’m always asking God for: a trouble-free, peaceful life.  But in the same Psalm as “green pastures” is “the valley of the shadow of death.” Not what I had in mind.

Sometimes God leads me to peace, and sometimes God leads me through troubles. I wish I knew why we have to have both seasons in our lives, but all I can do is praise Him for letting my cup overflow in peace and in trouble.

Lord, give me the wisdom to praise you when I’m at peace, and the strength to praise you when I face trouble.

-Kevi

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