Hi friends,
Anxiety can make the world feel overwhelming and unsafe sometimes, can’t it? But there’s this quiet, steady promise in Scripture that invites us to rest even when everything feels uncertain. Psalm 23 has been a lifeline for me in those moments, and I hope it meets you right where you are today.
Let’s Read Psalm 23 Together
Open up your Bible, and let’s read Psalm 23 slowly together. Let each line sink in as if the Lord is speaking it directly over you.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness 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 before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (ESV)
The Shepherd Who Sees Our Anxiety
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
David starts with the most personal truth: the Lord isn’t just a shepherd— He’s my shepherd. He knows us individually, every fear, every racing thought, every moment we feel like we’re lacking peace.
Sheep are prone to worry and wandering, and honestly, so are we. But because we belong to Him, we don’t have to scramble for what we need. He provides. When anxiety whispers that we’ll never have enough calm or security, this verse gently counters it: in Jesus, our Good Shepherd, we lack nothing essential. He’s already tending to the deepest needs of our hearts.
Restoring Our Souls in Still Waters
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
I love that it says “makes me.” How often do we keep pushing through exhaustion because anxiety won’t let us rest? Our Shepherd knows we need green pastures, places of nourishment and safety, and quiet waters that don’t overwhelm.
Restoration isn’t something we manufacture; it’s something He does as we follow Him. If your soul feels weary from worry today, picture Him leading you there. Lately, I’ve been using this beautiful lined prayer journal during my quiet time; it has the softest floral design and plenty of space to pour out anxious thoughts and let Him restore my heart.
Walking Through Valleys Without Fear
“Even though I walk through the valley… I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
Psalm 23 doesn’t skip the hard parts. Valleys come: seasons of shadow, uncertainty, mental health struggles that feel dark. But the key word is through. We don’t stay there forever.
And the most comforting shift? “You are with me.” In the valley, fear loses its power because His presence is closer than ever. His rod protects, His staff guides and pulls us near. Anxiety may feel like a deep shadow, but the Shepherd walks every step with us, turning “I will fear” into “I will fear no evil.”
A Simple Breath Prayer for Today
When anxiety creeps in, pause and try this gentle breath prayer:
Inhale: “You are with me.”
Exhale: “I will not fear.”
Repeat it slowly a few times, letting your body relax into His nearness.
Closing Prayer
Dear Good Shepherd,
Thank You for knowing me completely and loving me still. Thank You for leading me when anxiety makes it hard to see the way. Quiet my heart beside Your still waters today. Restore the tired places in my soul and remind me that even in the valleys, I am never alone.
Help me trust that goodness and mercy are following me, even when I can’t feel them yet. Fill me with Your peace that guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
I rest in You today.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
If this brought you a little peace today, you might also like my recent post: A Prayer for Overcoming Fear: Finding Peace in God’s Promises
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Fern Of The Valley 
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