Joy in Uncertain Times

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1

Most of you are probably familiar with that Scripture verse. In fact, you probably know the entire passage by heart. I memorized it years ago, most likely in a Sunday school class or Bible class at school. It’s a common chapter in the Psalms often used during difficult times.

It’s such a common passage, that it had almost become redundant to me. Until recently.

I think we can all agree we are living in uncertain times. Things are changing daily, a lot of people are sick, and many more are without jobs. Teachers had to leave their students mid-semester without saying goodbye. Projects are left unfinished with no time frame of picking them back up again. Suddenly we are forced to spend a lot more time within the walls of our own home.

And if I’m being honest, it’s taken a toll on me. I have been in a battle lately. A battle where I am wrestling between faith and fear. A battle between trust and uncertainty. A battle between joy and discouragement.

But in all of these uncertain times one thing remains constant: Jesus.

Think about the most difficult time in your life. Go ahead, do it. For me, it was the fall of 2010. I was diagnosed with an auto-immune muscle disease. I had to leave college my senior year, move home, and learn to live a new normal. Put simply, my world was turned upside down. I can remember laying in bed at night, tears as my prayers, crying out to the Lord without even knowing what words to pray. But you know what else I remember from that time and other difficult times in my life? His nearness. His strength in my weakest moments. His peace that passes understanding.

Times are uncertain, yes. But He isn’t. He is my shepherd which means what? He leads me. He provides for me. He protects me. And He guides me. So much that I shall not want. Meaning what? I lack nothing. In Him, I have absolutely, everything I need.

Are you struggling today? In a time where it is so easy to choose fear over faith, choose faith. Remember, remember, remember all the times He has been faithful to provide in the past. And allow this time to be one that refines you as you draw near to Him. Then and only then will you experience joy amidst the trials. Then you can say confidently, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.