Today, we continue our verse-by-verse exploration of Psalm 23, examining and reflecting on the sufficiency we have in Jesus.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. You have nothing to fear, no matter what you go through, even if death is hovering above you, as the King James Version explains. There is no place you can go where you will not be in contact with Jesus’ sustaining force!

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Almighty God is fighting for you. Protecting sheep and warding off predators is done with a rod and staff, and the Lord does the same for you. As a result, no matter what comes your way, you can feel at ease and unafraid.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You don’t have to be scared of people who are attempting to hurt you, even if they appear to be the most dangerous and frightening. God is on your side!

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. When God anoints your head with oil, He reveals His burden-lifting, yoke-breaking power in your midst, to the point where your cup overflows! Have you ever met someone so full of life and joy that they annoy you because they just spill their enthusiasm on everyone they meet? This is you in the Kingdom of God; because of God’s magnificence, you have far more than you require; your cup continues overflowing!

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Friend, notice that the phrase doesn’t state you’ll live with Jesus for a few years; it says forever (and ever, and ever, and ever)! God will never abandon you; you are as valuable to Him as a diamond — you are priceless and treasured, and He will never reject you! You are His treasured, priceless child, and no matter how difficult or rocky the road becomes, He will never abandon you. Matter changes, but the spirit endures; your soul is indestructible in His presence, and you are forever safe in His unwavering love!