The nation is struggling. It seems like every day there is another financial disaster that is reported, and unemployment is out of control. No, it isn’t 2019; it is 1933, and the United States just elected a new President—Franklin Delano Roosevelt. What were the words he used at his inauguration that we still remember today? “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” FDR really captured the essence of what was going on in the country with those words—everyone was afraid.

We are afraid today as well. But I am inspired to focus not on today’s struggles, but to look a little more long term—eternally—and for that, I have no worry! We need to write these joyful words of trust on our hearts:

The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides 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 love will follow me.
—Psalm 23

The Lord reassures us of His commitment to provide all our needs. We have been provided everything in the Psalm. The Shepherd will care for us; we will lie down in peace amid green, lush pastures and quiet water; our strength will be restored; we will be guided to honor Him; even at death’s door, we will not be afraid because He will comfort us; a banquet will be provided for us before our enemies; we will be anointed; and goodness and love will be our destiny with our Father. So, what can make us fearful today?

Lord, we give thanks for Your promise to us, for taking care of our every need, our every worry. We pray for our family and friends, and even our enemies, that they too can have what You have provided to us in Psalm 23—everything important!