Finding Comfort in Psalm 23

In this brief clip from early 2016, R.C. Sproul shared how the Lord used Psalm 23 to bring him daily comfort as he dealt with various health challenges.

Transcript

Lee Webb: Dr. Sproul, several years ago you produced a teaching series for Ligonier Ministries called Surprised By Suffering, and there's no question that the truths that you taught and conveyed in that series have been a great comfort and encouragement to those who were going through difficult phases in life, either physically or emotionally. I was curious to know—many of you know that Dr. Sproul has dealt with some significant health issues over the last year—I would like to know R.C., and I think our audience would like to know, how those truths have been a comfort to you as you've dealt with these issues?

R.C. Sproul: Well, certainly there have been lots of people, are lots of people who have suffered a whole lot more than I have in the last year. But I have had some serious health issues in the last year, and I have been reminded frequently of my own work there on that book Surprised By Suffering and go back to my own advice that I gave to others and give it to myself. On a practical level, one of my favorite experiences is daily to pray the Lord's Prayer. Excuse me. That, but the 23rd Psalm as well.

Because I just have to remember who I am, who God is—that He is my Shepherd and therefore there's no reason for me to want anything. You know He takes me where He wants me to be, beside the still waters in the green pastures, and He restores my soul. And even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I don't have to be afraid of anything because He's with me. So I just keep looking at the elements of that every day and say I have to deal with limitations, I have to deal with anxieties—we were talking about this yesterday with another friend of ours. I don't have any fear of death whatsoever, but I have lots of fears of how I'm going to get there. It's the process that's scary. I don't particularly enjoy pain, and so I'm always looking for ways to get away from that. But there is unbelievable peace and comfort in the Word of God, and predominantly knowing who He is and believing in His sovereignty. Right now, whatever else I'm called to do, whatever those limitations are of my health, that's part of my present calling. I believe that God has called me to be where I am at this very moment. I think it's true for every believer at that point.