The 23rd Psalm is amongst the most widely read specially for children. I memorized it as a girl and still I keep it close to me. It is quite a popular Scripture because it represents complete belief. It illustrates different scenarios in a persons life and how God acts in everyone of them.
David introduces in the first three verses the idea that he feels protected by God in all the aspects of his life is as if he were fearless. He sees God as his provider as the source of his strength; as He who will deliver him justice. Whenever we are afraid or angry the circumstances in life or people who judge us, God is the one who grants us that justice and guides us, even when we do not understand the circumstances.
Verses four and five talk about serious situations like the fears we comfront when facing life. Not everything is perfect and sometimes we find ourselves walking into valleys of shadow of death. This is especially true for those of us who suffer chronic diseases. One of our greatest fears is early death and the effects of medications in the long run. Sometimes the valleys seem unsurmountable, however; towards the end of the verse it reads "I shall shall fear no evil because you will be with me " and that affirmation is the one that sustains us through terrible times.
In the end, the Psalmist takes some time to remember to remind himself about the love of God and His mercy and how these two will follow him and embrace him all through his life; and how his destiny is to be delighted forever in the Lord. This particular affirmation is the guide of my life.
He will always be with us no matter how deep the valley, how hidden the fear, He will give us the strength to carry on and bring us to rest, Until we finally meet the purpose of our lives, which with or without Lupus, should be a good one
