I have not written in a while. I have been praying and studying and seeking, but not writing. It feels a bit overwhelming – possibly because God’s Presence is so real to me right now. His Goodness so strong in my life! Doors are opening to be His hands and feet in this world! I see His guidance in many aspects of my lift right now! So, I have been trying to sift through it all to find the right message for you – my team and supporters out there.
Today, I had a longer time than usual with God. It was quiet in my house and my spirit was calm as I read and sought Him. There seemed to be so much I wanted to share, but nothing seemed right.
At the end of my time with the Lord, an old familiar Psalm came to mind. I was mourning the grief and the pain in the world and the words of 23rd Psalm began playing through my mind. You know them well and have recited them often, I am sure. For there are few more comforting and familiar words in Scripture than this Psalm.
“The Lord is my Shepherd.” “MY Shepherd,” my spirit said. “The God of the Universe cares enough about me to shepherd me, guide me, lead me, take care of me, hold me, and love me. What could be better than that!”
It reminded me of a version of Psalm 23 I read years ago. A kind of poem. It is found on the web and I wish I knew who to give credit to. But it has fed me and touched me throughout my journey, and I want to share it with you now. It is a reminder of how rich and deep the Scriptures are and how FULL each word and phrase are.
Find a comfortable place, still your mind, open your heart and let your Shepherd pour into you!
The Lord is my shepherd – That is RELATIONSHIP. He wants a relationship with you!
I shall not want. – That is SUPPLY. He is our Provider.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; – That is REST! He is our rest!
He leads me beside the still waters. – That is REFRESHEMENT! (I love this! God renews us with good things!)
He restores my soul; – That is HEALING!
He leads me in the paths of righteousness – That is GUIDANCE! He will direct our path!
For His name’s sake. – That is PURPOSE!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, –That is Life (and He is with us during all life’s battles.)
I will fear no evil; — That is PROTECTION!
For You are with me; — That’s FAITHFULNESS! (I love knowing He is ever-present!)
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. – That is DISCIPLINE!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; — That is HOPE!
You anoint my head with oil; — That is CONSECRATION. You are setting me apart for Your purposes.
My cup runs over. – That is ABUNDANCE! (John 10:10)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; – That is BLESSING!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord – That is SECURITY!
Forever. – That is ETERNITY!
Thank you, God, for this simple yet profound reminder of your many promises to your sons and daughters. When we need to recall how great You really are, may this sacred and yet familiar song of King David bring us back to the feet of our King Jesus. For every promise and supply is summed up in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
The truth is friends. We all need Jesus!
End your time here in worship.