Day 15: Even Through the Valley | Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

This is the most well-known prayer of trust in all of Scripture — and it's important to notice that David doesn't skip the valley. He walks through it. Trust isn't the absence of darkness. It's the presence of the Shepherd in the darkness.

Pray through Psalm 23 slowly today — not as a recitation, but as a personal declaration. Pause on whatever line catches you. Let it be a prayer from your own life,
not just a psalm from David's.