These verses do not say we will have no trials with God as our Shepherd; they say He will lead us through them and bring us to rest with Him.

These verses do not say fear is an illusion; they say we are to not give in to fear because He is with us.

These verses do not say death will never come for us; they say that when we look behind us after a life of following Him, He promises we will see that goodness and mercy have been following us.

These verses tell me that I am to be led by my Creator. I am not to be led by fear or others’ opinions.

These verses tell me that I am to follow Him. I am to remain so close to Him that I remember He leads me to a place I can rest, even if death be near.

When fear threatens to take hold, I can repeat these six grounding verses about God’s goodness and sovereignty, and my spirit is refreshed, restored.

In times of uncertainty, Psalm 23 reminds me that Jesus is the Good Shepherd.