Your Nightly Prayer: Evening Prayers for Christian... - The Lord Is Still Your Shepherd

0:00Life audio. Thank you for tuning in to your nightly prayer, a podcast designed to help you rest and connect with your father in heaven as the day ends. God is ready to meet you in this moment of peace as you settle into sleep. After this short word from our sponsor, we'll encounter tonight's devotional. The Lord is still your shepherd, written by Christine Brown and read by your host, Brooke McLaughlin. It started with a knock at the door of a small clinic. A grandmother stood there holding her grandson. He was burning with fever. The nearest hospital was hours away and she had no way to get there. Through this moment matters, a ministry of global ministries and umcor.

1:00That clinic had medicine. It had trained staff. It had hope. The boy received treatment that day. The grandmother left with tears in her eyes and relief in her heart. This is what happens when the church refuses to look away. When we decide that every life carries sacred work, your gift today helps strengthen health systems, support migrants, fight hunger and build peace and communities under strain. Visit giveumcmission.org slash future and be part of the story. God is still writing because this moment matters. Tonight's scripture, the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, Psalm 23, 1. Something to ponder. As evening settles in, I like to look back on the day and give thanks to God for the little

2:01things, the moments of blessing that may have passed by unnoticed and unappreciated. Warm sunshine, a text from a friend or even a memory that came to mind at just the right time that brought a much needed smile. But some days gratitude is harder to find. Instead of reflecting on the good things of God, I find myself dragging into bed, hoping with all hope that tomorrow will be better. That this particularly bad day won't run into the next, and I'll finally get past this dry, parched season. On those days, I need to remind myself that even in the most difficult seasons, God is still my shepherd. Psalm 23 opens with a powerful and heartfelt declaration. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. The simplicity of the Psalmist words speaks of profound truth in the midst of our pain.

3:03God is sovereign. We can rest knowing He is in control and cares about our struggles, yet even with this knowledge, our hearts can ache with loneliness as the difficulties of life persist. When struggles seem like they will never end, we may be tempted to question if God is still with us and if He still cares. The new living translation puts it this way, the Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need. We are cared for by the good shepherd who watches over us, not only when gratitude is easy to find and blessings are easy to spot, but also when we are walking through the darkest valley imaginable. So what does a good shepherd do for his flock? How do we know we can count on him through the treacherous path ahead? According to the following verses of Psalm 23, a good shepherd guides comforts, protects

4:03and provides. Our shepherd still guides. He leads me beside peaceful streams, he renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name, Psalm 23, 2. Our shepherd still comforts and protects. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. For you are close beside me, your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23, 4. Our shepherd still provides. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil, my cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23, 5. If you are feeling today as though God has left you to fend for yourself, let these truths of his character renew your mind and calm your heart.

5:05Even when you feel alone, God is still there to comfort you. Even on the days you are grasping for gratitude, he will still provide. And even when you walk through the valley, your good shepherd will still be by your side. Your nightly prayer. Dear Lord, this season is hard and it seems like it will never end. I want to believe you are still with me, but I feel so alone. I need to know you are here by my side. Thank you for the reminder of who you are in Psalm 23. In every circumstance, you are ready to give comfort, protection, provision and guidance. You are my shepherd, yesterday, today and always. Even in the darkest times, you are in control, and you know my needs before I ask. You will never leave me to fend for myself, and for that I am grateful.

6:06When I can't see the path ahead, Lord, I don't have to be afraid. With you as my shepherd, I have all that I need. In Jesus' name I pray, amen. Three things to meditate upon. Number one, Psalm 23 defines God as our guide, comforter, protector and provider. Which description of God's character speaks to you the most in this season of your life? Two, as this day comes to a close, remind yourself that even if you don't see it, God is still beside you. Let that truth bring a renewed sense of peace. Number three, repeat this evening's key verse a few times as part of your nightly routine. Thank you for listening to Your Nightly Prayer, a production of the Life Audio Network. If you found comfort and inspiration in tonight's prayer, be sure to follow and subscribe

7:07on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Also today, so you never miss a moment of peace and reflection to end your day. Hey, I'm Dr. Sean McDowell, Professor, author and host of The Sean McDowell Show. I tackle the hardest questions about God, truth and culture, combining solid research with practical insight and engaging stories so you can build a confident, informed faith. Now available on the Life Audio Network to reach more listeners like you. Follow the Sean McDowell Show on your favorite podcast app or visit lifeaudio.com to start