How can we have peace when suffering and storms rage around us? The former shepherd made king, David, discovered the ultimate peace. Even though he endured tragedy, disappointments, war, and personal failure, he had “blessed assurance” in a God who cares. Ultimate peace was found in the Prince of Peace, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10).

David wrote of that ultimate peace in Psalm 23, known as “The Shepherd Psalm”. “The Lord is my shepherd. . .Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me, thy rod and they staff they comfort me. . .” (Psalm 23:1, 4 KJV).

How did David have such peace, stability, and hope? It began with a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord. He acknowledged that “The Lord” was his Shepherd. He was in daily fellowship with his Lord through praise, prayer, and premeditating on God’s Word. (See Revelation 5:6-9 and Psalm 119.)

Are God’s children exempt from problems and attacks of the enemy? No, but the Great Shepherd is the one who conquered “death hell, and the grave” by laying down His life on the cross and arising from the grave on the third day. David would not fear evil. Why? “Thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4). Our Shepherd carries “a big stick”. “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Put your trust in the power and authority of Christ Jesus. Receive comfort, faith, and hope from the staff of God’s eternal word. He promises to be with you always. (See Matthew 28:20 and John 14.)

Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748) had the ultimate peace. Despite failing health, by the age of 33, he had authored over 210 hymns. Perhaps one of his most familiar is “Joy to the World”. What brought him so much joy and peace? Listen to his heartbeat.

“Let me hear your voice, Jesus, my Savior, let me hear your voice walking upon the waters; when I am tossed about upon the waves of distress and difficulty, speak to my soul and say, ‘It is I, be not afraid.’

“Jesus can support me in the heaviest distresses, though all sorrows I fear should come upon me. He can bear me on the wings of faith and hope, high above all the turmoil and commotion of life; He can carry me through the shadow of the dark valley and scatter all the terrors of it.”

Isaac Watts had an intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd. That is the ultimate peace. When you remain in close fellowship with the Lord, no matter what valley of death you find yourself in, the Great Shepherd is with you – against whom no foe can stand!

My relatives and friends mentioned at the beginning of this article received the ultimate peace. Do you have it? It begins when you invite Christ Jesus into your heart and life as Savior and Lord.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20 KJV).

Like David you can have this assurance: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

Spend time daily with the Shepherd. Praise the Lord, pray, and premeditate (even before troubles come) on God’s Word.