> Welcome to the first post in our 5-part series, exploring the broad themes from the five books of the Psalms and how they come alive in the life of an ordinary Christian like you and me. Inspired by W. Robert Godfrey’s Learning to Love the Psalms, this series is an opportunity to walk through the Psalms’ enduring wisdom and see God’s faithful hand in our lives—even amid challenges and uncertainty. Each post will focus on one of the five key themes from the books of the Psalms:
- Confidence in God’s Care (Book 1 – Psalms 1-41)
- Commitment to God’s Kingdom (Book 2 – Psalms 42-72)
- Crisis Over God’s Promises (Book 3 – Psalms 73-89)
- Comfort in God’s Faithfulness (Book 4 – Psalms 90-106)
- Celebration of God’s Salvation (Book 5 – Psalms 107-150)
In this first installment, we’ll focus on confidence in God’s care by stepping into the life of Rachel, an ordinary woman seeking God’s guidance while carrying a heavy burden. Her story reminds us that just as David experienced the tender care of a Shepherd-God in Psalm 23, we too can find confidence in God’s loving provision—even when life feels overwhelming.
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A Season of Struggle
Rachel was 19 years old when her life took an unexpected detour. While her friends left for college, buzzing with excitement about their futures, Rachel stayed home to care for her ailing mother. The demands were grueling—balancing part-time work at a local café with providing meals, transportation, and emotional support for her mom.
She scrolled through social media, watching her friends share pictures of dorm life, road trips, and meeting new friends. The comparison left Rachel deflated. Increasingly, she began to ask herself: Why is my life so small? God, do You even see me?
For weeks, Rachel wrestled with feelings of loneliness and insignificance. Her prayers felt hollow, and there seemed to be no relief from the weight she was carrying. She began to doubt if God cared for her—if He truly was who everyone said He was.
A Shepherd’s Care
One evening, desperate for comfort, Rachel opened her Bible. Her eyes landed on the familiar words of Psalm 23:
“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.” (Psalm 23:1-3, ESV)
Though Rachel had read these verses before, that night it felt as though God Himself was speaking directly to her. The image of God as a Shepherd—guiding her, providing for her every need, and tenderly restoring her soul—brought her to tears.
Rachel sat quietly, allowing the words to sink in. She realized that just as a shepherd knows every need of their sheep, her Heavenly Father knew every detail of her struggle. He hadn’t abandoned her. He was walking beside her, watching over her with relentless care.
From that moment, Rachel began to look for God’s hand in her daily life. She noticed the small ways He was caring for her: an unexpected delivery of homemade soup from her neighbor, her mom laughing during a movie they watched together, customers at the café who shared kind words that brightened her day. These weren’t coincidences—they were markers of God’s presence in her life.
Finding Confidence in God’s Care
Rachel’s circumstances didn’t change immediately. Her mother’s health remained fragile, and she continued to juggle the pressing demands of work and caregiving. But now, Rachel carried Psalm 23 in her heart, drawing strength from its promises. She spent moments each day meditating on the words, “The Lord is my shepherd,” repeating them often when stress or exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her.
Like sheep, Rachel learned to rely on her Shepherd step by step. When she didn’t know what to do, when she felt she couldn’t go on, her confidence in God’s care sustained her. His provision might not have come in the dramatic ways she’d hoped for, but it came—faithfully and perfectly timed—in small, daily graces.
Psalm 23 became a lifeline, teaching Rachel an important truth: God’s care isn’t always about changing circumstances; sometimes it’s about changing our hearts so that we trust Him, come what may.
Reflecting on Your Story
Rachel’s story is a reminder that the words of Psalm 23 still ring true today. Maybe, like Rachel, you’re stuck in a season that feels overwhelming. Perhaps you’re burdened with responsibility, loss, or uncertainty about the future.
Take heart: the same Shepherd who guided David, who provided for Rachel, will care for you too. God’s gentle care meets us exactly where we are. He knows the valley you walk through, and He promises to walk beside you, offering comfort, provision, and restoration.
Spend some time meditating on Psalm 23 this week. Reflect on these questions:
- Where have you seen God’s provision in your life recently, even in small ways?
- How might you learn to rely more on your Shepherd when life feels unmanageable?
- What does “He restores my soul” mean for the season you’re currently in?
A Prayer for Confidence
Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Shepherd. When my heart is overwhelmed, teach me to rest in Your care. Open my eyes to the ways You provide for me each day, and help me walk with confidence, knowing You guide my steps and restore my soul. Amen.
In the next post, we’ll join Rachel on the next part of her journey as she learns to commit to God’s Kingdom, even when the weight of responsibility feels too great. Until then, may you find peace in your Shepherd’s care.
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