Psalm 23 is one of the most comforting and soul-settling passages in the Bible. It invites you into the tender care of God as your Shepherd, someone who knows you personally, leads you faithfully and provides for you fully. Today, let’s begin with just the first verse:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” (Psalm 23:1, NLT)

Take a deep breath and let those words sink in.

The Lord is your shepherd. Not just a shepherd for the whole world—though that’s true—but yours. He knows your heart, your questions, and your fears. Shepherds don’t lead from afar; they stay near, providing protection, correction, and care.

John 10:14 NASB1995 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,

You have all that you need. I know how hard it can be to believe that sometimes. Maybe you’re in a season of uncertainty or waiting, where it feels like God’s provision isn’t enough. But His Word reminds us He always gives what is good. His care doesn’t mean you’ll never have wants or challenges—it means you’re never without His presence, peace, or guidance.

Psalms 143:8 NASB1995 Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul.

Dallas Willard said, “The Lord is my shepherd—that is relationship. I shall not want—that is provision.” Let that sink in. God’s shepherding care meets your needs—not just material needs, but your need for comfort, clarity, and connection with Him.

Notice that Psalm 23 doesn’t say you must find the right path. It says that the Lord your Shepherd leads you, guides you, and refreshes you, even making you lie down to rest in good places.

For someone like me—a recovering perfectionist with some chronic health challenges—this truth is life-giving. God’s guidance is personal and kind, freeing me from the pressure to control every outcome.

Isaiah 30:21 NASB1995 Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

Take a moment to pause and ask Him:

• Lord, where am I putting too much pressure on myself?
• How can I trust You with this decision instead of trying to control it?
• Show me how You’ve guided me before, so I can see Your faithfulness now.

Breathe deeply and intentionally as you pray either (or both) of the breath prayers below.

The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need.

The Lord my shepherd, leads me in right paths.

Repeat them slowly, letting their truth settle you. Picture God gently guiding you—not to make you prove anything, but to invite you into His peace and provision.

With each breath, release the stress of trying to control the outcome. Let your questions rise—they’re starting points for deeper conversations with God.

As you move through your day, keep this breath prayer close. Each breath is a reminder: God sees you, knows you, and cares for you. You are His. And because He is your Shepherd, you truly have all that you need.

Tomorrow, let’s discover together how the Lord, our Shepherd, also brings peace that calms our hearts and relieves anxiety.

Maybe you’re facing challenges that seem impossible, decisions that feel overwhelming, or the relentless pace of your day-to-day life is wearing you down. When the weight feels too much, it’s easy to believe you need to keep pushing through—relying on your own strength and effort to make it work. But what if you don’t have to?

Breath prayer offers a simple way to turn toward God in those moments, connecting your breath, your body, and your spirit with His presence. At its core, breath prayer is about simplicity. It’s not about the length or eloquence of your prayer—it’s about opening your heart to God in honest dependence.

Mark 10:46-52 NASB1995 Then they *came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they *called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.” Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus. And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

One of the most well-known breath prayers comes from Mark 10, where we find the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man crying out to Jesus as He passes by. His words are both desperate and faith-filled:

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47)

In his desperation, Bartimaeus captures something profound. He doesn’t offer a long, polished prayer. He simply cries out for mercy from the One he knows can save him. And Jesus heals his sight.

This prayer has often been called “The Jesus Prayer” or “the prayer of the heart” and dates all the way back to the 3rd or 4th centuries.

These words distill the cry of our hearts, even when we don’t have the breath—or the energy—for anything more.

Psalms 86:5 NASB1995 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

Wherever you feel stretched thin, overwhelmed, or like you’ve reached your limit, God’s strength can meet you there. His mercy fills the gaps when your abilities or resources end, but your needs keep going. When you feel like you don’t have enough…or like you’re not enough…He is more than enough.

Take a moment to consider:

• Where am I trying to rely on my own abilities?
• What weight am I carrying that I need to hand over to God?
• How can I rest in His mercy and strength today?

Hebrews 4:16 NASB1995 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

As you breathe, picture yourself calling on Him with the most pressing needs in your life. Whisper this prayer or speak it silently in your heart as you breathe:

Jesus, mercy.

As you pray, imagine God meeting you with mercy and strength in each breath, filling the places where you feel empty or overwhelmed.

You don’t have to figure it all out.

You don’t have to navigate things alone.

Partner this prayer with your breath for a few exhales, or as long as you need. His grace is sufficient, His mercy is endless, and His strength will carry you through.

Now it’s time to experience how God leads you when you’re overwhelmed or not sure which way to go. That’s where we’re going next.

I had asthma when I was young, and one of my sons is navigating a similar journey. When it’s hard to breathe, we’re taught to breathe deeper. To slow each inhale and further extend the exhale with intentional breaths, often inhaling medication at the same time. I’ve heard similar breathing techniques to calm anxiety, which is why the concept of breath prayer felt natural to me when I first came across it.

It combines the rhythm of your breathing with short intentional prayers, helping you connect with God with your whole self. This practice is wonderfully simple: you repeat two short phrases, one with each inhale and exhale, allowing your prayer to become as natural as breathing.

I’ve come to treasure the way these prayers slow my heart, focus my attention, and remind me of God’s constant presence. So on each day of this plan, I’ll share a new breath prayer with you.

Genesis 2:7 NASB1995 Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Job 33:4 NASB1995 The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Psalms 33:6 NASB1995 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB1995 pray without ceasing;

Breath itself is beautifully tied to God. In Genesis, we see God speak the world into existence. Speech, after all, is breath and sound put together. Then, God forms humanity from the dust of the earth, His own exhale giving us life. Let every inhale and exhale remind you of your dependence on Him.

Even God’s name, Yahweh, connects to breath. Many theologians note how our inhaling and exhaling seem to echo the syllables of His name—Yah (inhale) and Weh (exhale).

Breathing is both a reminder to pray without ceasing and also a simple practice of it whenever you notice your breath whispering God’s name. What better way to calm our hearts than to quiet ourselves and breathe, letting our souls align with the God who gave us life?

As you go through your day today, I invite you to practice mindful breathing.

You don’t need elaborate words or perfect focus. Pause for a moment and notice your breath. This seemingly small act—drawing air in and out—is because God has given you life.

As you breathe, reflect on the truth that you are calling on God with each inhale and exhale.

Whisper His name out loud or say it internally as you breathe:

Yahweh.

If words feel too much, just focus on your breathing, knowing that even the rhythm of your breath calls out to Him.

Do this a few times, letting each breath grow slower and deeper. Let this simple one-word prayer remind you of God’s closeness. With each inhale, invite Him closer. With each exhale, release your burdens into His care.

God is near, as close as your next breath, delighting in your presence and your desire to connect with Him.

Tomorrow we’ll explore how His mercy meets us in our greatest needs, and in the most tender ways.

2 Samuel 5:24-25 ESV And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.

What do you do when God tells you to wait? Not just wait—but wait for something strange or unexpected? That’s hard, especially when we feel ready, when we’ve seen Him work before, or when we just want to act. Waiting can test our trust like few things can.

David had just won a battle with God’s help. But now, as the enemy returned, God didn’t say, “Do what you did before.” Instead, He gave David a brand-new strategy: wait until you hear the sound of marching in the treetops. That would be the sign that God had gone ahead. Only then should David move.

This is where the story gets even more interesting. God’s out of the box instruction is letting us know that God didn’t want David relying on formulas—He wanted David relying on His presence. He wants the same for us as well. The new plan made it clear that the victory would come from God, not from David’s past experience or human wisdom.

John 14:15 ESV If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

This hits close to home for me. There have been so many moments when I wanted to charge ahead. I thought, “I’ve seen how God moved last time—I know what to do.” But I didn’t pause to ask Him what He wanted now. Other times, I’ve been frustrated by God’s silence, afraid to wait, or distracted by the urgency of the moment. Pride made me believe I already had the answer. And I’ve had to learn—sometimes the hard way—that faith means staying sensitive to the Spirit, not assuming that yesterday’s word is today’s instruction.

Psalm 1:1-2 ESV Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1 tells us the blessed life is one that delights in God’s Word day and night—always listening. Jesus said in John 14:15 that love for Him is shown by obedience. David showed that love through his willingness to wait and follow—even when the method was unfamiliar.

Faith doesn’t just trust what God says—it also trusts how and when He wants to move.

Reflection Questions:

Am I open to God doing something new in my life? Do I trust His leading, even when it doesn’t make immediate sense?

Respond to God’s Word:

Ask the Lord if there’s an area in your life where He’s leading you differently than He has before. Are you waiting for His sign, or trying to move ahead without it? Write down what you sense He’s saying, and commit to follow His voice—not just your expectations.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for being a God who speaks in fresh and surprising ways. Forgive me for the times I’ve moved ahead without You, assuming I already knew the plan. Help me to trust Your timing, wait for Your signal, and follow wherever You lead. Teach me to walk in step with Your Spirit—not in my own strength. Amen.

2 Samuel 5:22-23 ESV And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.

Have you ever had a victory in life—only to face the same challenge again not long after? It’s frustrating. You think, “Didn’t I already fight this battle?” It’s tempting to rely on what worked last time, to skip prayer, and to go with experience. But that’s not what David did.

Even after a clear victory, when the enemy returned, David didn’t rush into action. He went back to God—again. He didn’t say, “I know what to do.” He said, “Lord, what should I do now?” That humility is powerful.

Hebrews 4:16 ESV Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I’ve read in the past that David’s second inquiry shows a rhythm and trend in his life where he deeply depended on God, not just a formula for success. He wasn’t treating prayer like a one-time emergency life line—he had a relationship with the Lord. He knew that yesterday’s word wasn’t enough for today’s decision. He needed fresh guidance.

I’ve been guilty of getting too confident after a win. Sometimes after preaching a great sermon or navigating a family situation well, I’ve assumed I could just do the same thing next time. But I’ve learned that pride can whisper, “You’ve got this,” when I really need to be saying, “God, what do You want now?” Distractions pull me into routine. Frustration says, “Just do what worked before.” But God isn’t looking for robotic obedience—He’s looking for a heart that seeks Him daily.

Psalm 145:18 ESV The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

David models that beautifully. He kept asking. And God kept answering.

John 5:14 ESV Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.”

Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to come boldly to the throne of grace, again and again. 1 John 5:14 reminds us that when we ask according to God’s will, He hears us. And Psalm 145:18 says He is near to all who call on Him in truth. God is not tired of hearing our prayers—He delights in our dependence.

Reflection Questions:

Do I seek God only when I’m in trouble, or do I seek Him daily—even after success? Am I relying on past experiences, or am I asking God for new wisdom?

Respond to God’s Word:

Think about a recent win or breakthrough in your life. Ask God, “What’s next?” Take a moment to submit even your victories to His direction, and ask for fresh wisdom moving forward.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being patient with me when I lean on experience instead of You. Forgive me for treating success as a reason to skip prayer. Keep my heart humble and teachable. Help me return to You—not just in difficulty, but in every step of my journey. Speak again, and I will listen. Amen.

2 Samuel 5:20 ESV And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.

Have you ever been in a situation where things felt stuck—like no matter what you tried, nothing was changing? Then suddenly, out of nowhere, God made a way? That moment when breakthrough happens is unforgettable—and humbling. Because you know it wasn’t you. It was Him.

That’s what happened to David. After seeking the Lord and receiving direction, he obeyed—and saw a massive victory. But David didn’t take the credit. He didn’t say, “Look what I did.” Instead, he said, “The Lord broke through like a flood.” He gave God all the glory and even named the place Baal Perazim—“The Lord of the Breakthrough.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

Some have pointed out that David’s use of water imagery—“as waters break out”—describes God’s power as limitless, unstoppable, overpowering, and matchless. Just as floodwaters can’t be held back, God moved quickly and powerfully to deliver David. It wasn’t just a win—it was a divine breakthrough.

This challenges me deeply. There have been moments where I’ve faced what felt like spiritual resistance—conflict in ministry, parenting challenges, personal doubt. In some cases, I tried harder, worked longer, and thought more strategically. But none of it worked. And instead of turning to God early, I let distractions take my attention. Pride made me think I could handle it. Frustration kept me spinning my wheels. Only when I stopped striving and started seeking did God move. And when He did, it was like a dam broke.

Psalm 36:5 ESV Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

David’s story reminds me that breakthrough comes from God, not effort. Yes, we play our part—but it’s God who makes the breakthrough happen. His faithfulness is consistent. His timing is perfect. And His power hasn’t changed.

Hebrews 13:8 ESV Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Reflection Questions:

Where do I need a breakthrough in my life or family right now? Have I been trying to fight in my own strength instead of trusting God to move?

Respond to God’s Word:

Write down one area where you feel stuck or overwhelmed. Spend time in prayer, asking God to “break out” like He did for David. Surrender your strategy and invite His power into the situation.

Prayer:

Lord, You are the God of the breakthrough. I thank You for fighting my battles and moving in ways I cannot. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to win without You—when pride or frustration kept me from seeking You. Teach me to trust Your timing and rely on Your strength. I give You all the glory, now and always. Amen.

2 Samuel 5:19 ESV And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.”

Have you ever been so sure about something that you didn’t even think to pray first? Maybe it was a job you felt confident in, a decision that seemed obvious, or a situation where you thought, “I’ve handled this before.” But later, you realized you never asked God what He thought.

David was a skilled and experienced warrior. He had fought and won many battles, and now he was king. But even with all his wisdom and power, he still stopped and asked God, “Should I go?” He didn’t treat this battle like a routine task—he knew every situation needs God’s guidance.

Scholars have pointed out that David’s inquiry here shows how he deeply trusted in God rather than depending on man. He knew that past success wasn’t a guarantee of future victory. He recognized his need for fresh direction, not recycled confidence.

Matthew 26:41 ESV Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

This challenges me personally. There have been many times—especially in ministry, parenting, and decision-making—where I’ve leaned on what worked before. I’ve let pride convince me that I had it figured out. Sometimes I’ve been distracted by the pressure to act quickly, or frustrated because I didn’t want to wait. I’ve skipped the prayer and jumped straight to the plan. And usually, those are the moments when things don’t turn out like I hoped.

David reminds us that no matter how strong or experienced we are, we’re never too seasoned to seek God. Real wisdom is found in the humility to ask—even when we think we already know the answer.

Mark 11:24 ESV Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Jesus tells us in Mark 11:24 to pray believing that God hears and responds. Matthew 26:41 reminds us to “watch and pray” so we won’t fall into temptation. Prayer isn’t just protection from defeat—it’s preparation for victory.

Reflection Questions:

Do I regularly ask God for direction, or only when I’m desperate? What would change if I invited God into my decisions—both big and small?

Respond to God’s Word:

Take time today before making any decision—big or small—to pause and ask: “Lord, what would You have me do?” Invite God into your process, and write down any sense of leading He gives.

Prayer:

Father, I don’t want to rely on my own understanding. Forgive me for the times I’ve acted out of pride, fear, or frustration. Help me to slow down, to listen, and to trust You enough to ask. Give me a heart like David’s—one that depends on You more than anything else. Amen.

2 Samuel 5:17-19 ESV When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.”

Have you ever stepped into something good—only to be hit with a problem you didn’t expect? Maybe you finally made progress in your marriage, your career, or your faith, and right after that, life hit back harder. It’s confusing and frustrating. You wonder, “Why now?”

David knew that feeling. Right after he was anointed king of Israel—a huge spiritual and personal victory—the Philistines rose up to attack him. His breakthrough didn’t bring peace; it brought pressure. But instead of panicking or rushing into action, David went to God first.

That’s wisdom. David had the experience, the army, and the authority to act. But instead of relying on those things, he humbled himself and asked God what to do. He didn’t assume—he inquired.

Scholars have pointed out that David didn’t rush into battle – but instead patiently reached out to God. It wasn’t that he was slow to respond to the enemy—it was that he was quick to connect to God. David’s life shows us that when God promotes and elevates, the enemy often provokes and intimidates. How you respond determines whether you walk in victory or in stress. David chose prayer over panic.

Romans 8:26 ESV Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

In my own life, I haven’t always responded like David. There have been times I’ve let distractions pull my attention away from God when I needed Him most. I’ve let pride tell me, “You’ve got this,” instead of asking God for help. Fear and frustration have driven me to react instead of wait. But I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that rushing ahead without God’s guidance leads to avoidable mistakes and unnecessary stress.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

David’s example reminds me that the first and best thing I can do is stop and ask, “Lord, what should I do?” That single question changes everything.

Reflection Questions:

When I face resistance or challenges, do I turn to God first—or try to fix things on my own? What would it look like to make prayer my first response instead of my last resort?

Respond to God’s Word:

Take 5 minutes today to sit quietly and ask God: “What would You have me do in this situation?” Don’t rush it. Just listen. Write down anything that comes to your heart.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to seek You first in every battle I face. I confess the times I’ve rushed ahead in fear, pride, or frustration. Teach me to pause before I plan, to pray before I act, and to lean on Your wisdom above my own. Like David, help me build a lifestyle of faith and trust in You. Amen.