Living in Psalm 23

It was just a few days ago
I was settled in the shade of a tree planted and nutured with my husband's hands,
Absorbing the sounds and perfume of the oasis You and he created together.
The retreat with its small, rolling green pasture begs me to relax in it.
I felt Your love eminating from the leaves, petal, creatures and cool dirt.
I laid my soul down and absorbed the calm.

Yesterday you answered a prayer in the unexpected way that is exclusively Yours.
I rejoiced, I praised, I was awestruck by Your brilliance.
You reminded me how Your Will will be done on Your timetable, not mine.
I felt Your strength and love stronger than ever.

Today the shadows of doubt and fear rise to meet me as I descend into a valley.
The realities of this world with its temptations and my sins surround me.
I feel the weight of fear and doubt pulling me farther into the bleak trench.
My mind entices me to forget your great deeds of yesterday.
Emotions taunt me for trusting someone who would allow me to fall down.

And then the Spiritual, Holy voice whispers,
"Read Psalm 23 and feel my rod and staff beside you as I take your right hand in mine.
I will lead you through this valley.
Follow my voice through the darkness.
Feel my light on your face as you turn toward the Son.
It may not be tomorrow, but I promise you,
some day soon I will bring you back to the welcoming pasture that your husband and I lovingly created.
And you can lie down and rest."

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.