The following words result
from my mind trying to grapple with the unsteady footing of the world. Peace,
love, and compassion still overcome darkness, for God is our ever-present
companion. Our Great Shepherd guides our way.
Please forgive me if my
post seems disjointed. A good friend of Terry and I died a couple of weeks ago.
His family asked me to conduct his memorial service. This is turn meant I could
not spend as much time on my monthly post as is usual for me.
I present here humble
thoughts on Psalm 23. I look through the darkness of this world and long for
the world to come. I am not alone because you pray for me, and I pray for you.
1.The Lord is my
shepherd, I lack nothing.
The world cannot give or
promise anything close to what our Lord Shepherd has given us. His care, like
His peace and love, is beyond measure.
2 He makes me lie down
in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
The Shepherd’s loved ones
can find respite in this out-of-control world. We can breathe the air of a
fragrant meadow amid the pollution all around. The turbulent waves smashing
into people do not cause us to fear. We can hold on to the hand of God as He
leads us through quiet places of refuge.
3 he refreshes my
soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.
There are times in life where
our legs cannot hold us up and we think we cannot go on. The Shepherd grants us
respite and, in gentle fashion, reminds us of the eternal path set before us.
4 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.
Death, calamity, and
suffering cannot bind us in fear, for The Shepherd leads us through even our
deepest and darkest experiences. On a personal note, when my wife experienced
cancer for the second time, we also experienced a deep sense of the reality of
God’s comfort. She is now cancer free for four years. Glory to God!
5 You prepare a table
before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup
overflows.
Our Lord Shepherd is also
a gracious host, even when our many enemies are present. They do not worry Him,
and He goes about His business of care for His people. These enemies are but people
lost without Him and powerless no matter who they are.
6 Surely your goodness
and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.
This is amazing!
Throughout our lives, and no matter what happens, The Shepherd’s love is
constant and assured. He knows with all confidence where His loved ones belong.
There is nothing strong enough or evil enough to thwart His plan for those who
follow Him. This Shepherd, our King, the One who is Creator of all things, and
who loves the world, has prepared a place for us beyond description.
Beloved ones, we are held tight in the love of God!
Alan lives in Deroche, B.C.
with his wife, Terry. He contributed stories to Good Grief People by Angel Hope
Publishing, 2017; Story by Story: The Power of a Writer, Unstoppable Writers
Publishing, 2018, and . Alan has also written articles for FellowScript
Magazine. Blog: https://scarredjoy.ca. Alan is the Provincial Rep. Liaison and
B.C. Rep for InScribe.
