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Remembering Our Hope


A quarter of a century sounds like a long time, and in fact, for the limited time we have on this planet, it is a significant milestone. Yet, as I reflect on everything that has transpired since that fateful day in 2001, I can see a world that is topsy-turvy. In some respects, our culture has advanced in leaps and bounds. The technological differences between 2001 and today show a fundamental transition. Society went from localized, physical, and highly fragmented devices to hyper-connected, cloud-based, and AI-driven platforms. Never before have people had access to the world’s wealth of information together, at the same time.

On the other hand, we have lost some important aspects of our collective “soul.” As we remember the tragedy of 9/11, we must also recognize the tragedy that befalls us today—the death of civil discourse, the celebration of murder on the premise of ideology, the rabid acceleration of the death machine we call Planned Parenthood, and so much more. Given our culture's pernicious downward trajectory, where do we find hope for the future? Let me offer a few points to consider from Psalm 23:

God’s Provision Through This Life (vv. 1–3)

David opens the Psalm with two bold claims: he belongs to the Lord, and he shall not want. A shepherd’s job is to anticipate needs before the sheep even recognize them. The sheep simply trust the shepherd’s presence. Essentially, because God Himself is my caretaker, I can know that scarcity doesn’t get the final word. God’s provision, according to this Psalm, gives us security, peace, refreshment, and guidance. It is not a promise of a life without trouble. It’s a promise of a Shepherd who never leaves you alone in it.

God’s Presence on the Journey (vv. 4–5)

God does not wait until the danger is gone to provide. Moreover, God creates peace within the conflict for believers. That ultimately means that our suffering does not cancel God’s goodness. Our hope comes from knowing that hardship does not interrupt God’s care. The rod and staff are tools of defense and guidance. In ancient shepherding, the rod protected against predators, while the staff offered guidance, rescue, and support. God is not passive. The imagery shows God actively defending, guiding, and stabilizing the hurting person. As we see in the New Testament, we have Christ and the Holy Spirit’s presence and comfort. Charles Spurgeon asserted, “As the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Christ is the comfort. The Holy Spirit consoles, but Christ is the consolation.”[1]

God’s Promise of Ultimate Justice and Renewal (v. 6)

The Hebrew word for “follow” is closer to “pursue” or “chase after.” Even when suffering makes you feel abandoned or numb, the psalm insists that God’s presence is not fragile. God’s presence is persistent. Not only that, God promises the hope of eternity with Him. David isn’t talking about a building. He’s talking about life in God’s presence. Josh Smith wrote it best: “And when he finishes using you for his good purposes, he will bring you into his house as his child forever. What greater privilege could be imaginable than to dwell in the house of the Lord, our Shepherd-King, forever!”[2]

Conclusion

Ultimately, the hope of the gospel in light of 9/11 and the seemingly endless downward spiral of our culture shifts the foundation of human security away from earthly systems or physical structures toward an enduring, transcendent promise. That Christ is stronger than death, suffering is temporary, and the light of the gospel ultimately pierces the deepest darkness of this sin-saturated world. Psalm 23 begins with God leading and ends with God following. God’s goodness and mercy are not passive; rather, they are active agents of God’s redemptive love. On this 25-year anniversary of such a tragedy, we can look to God with greater hope through knowing Him better.


[1] C. H. Spurgeon, “Consolation in Christ,” in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, vol. 7 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1861), 1.

[2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 1–50, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 177.

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