It has been 23 years since our nation was attacked on September 11th, 2001. Twenty-three years of missing loved ones. Twenty-three years of what ifs. Possibly twenty-three years of guilt. Imagine if one’s last words to a spouse, parent, sibling or friend, prior to the twin towers tumbling down, were not the kindest of words. Or maybe twenty-three years of anger. Angry at how the horrific event was allowed to happen on American soil. Angry at how something so tragic has been politicized over the last two decades. And angry at how our leaders can talk a good game when it comes to our national security, but are we really that confident another awful event like 9/11 won’t happen again?

I can hardly imagine going through anything remotely similar to the events of September 11th, without having faith. Faith in something greater than myself. Faith in knowing that this life is not the end-all. And faith in knowing my Comforter is right beside me at all times, and He can truly empathize because He too has experienced sadness, anguish, and pain. My faith comes from my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With that faith, God will supply everything we need to persevere throughout our trials. Even our 9/11s. My heart goes out to those who’ve experienced their own 9/11s without the hope and assurance that comes from faith in Christ.

Psalm 23 of the Holy Bible boils down to a loving list of what God gives to those who say yes to Him. The following is Psalm 23 as found in the ESV (English Standard Version). Included in parenthesis is a popular line-by-line explanation of each verse. “The Lord is my shepherd (That’s a relationship); I shall not want (That’s supply). He makes me lie down in green pastures (That’s rest). He leads me beside still waters (That’s refreshment). He restores my soul (That’s healing). He leads me in paths of righteousness (That’s guidance) for his name’s sake (That’s purpose).

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (That’s testing), I will fear no evil (That’s protection), for you are with me (That’s faithfulness); your rod and your staff, they comfort me (That’s discipline). You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies (That’s hope); you anoint my head with oil (That’s consecration); my cup overflows (That’s abundance). Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (That’s blessing), and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” So, we can see the Shepherd is always there for those who allow Him to lead. And He will never forsake us because God is on our side. He was there with us 23 years ago, and He is here with us today!