Life shocks,
jerks, grabs attention, and forces deeper understandings of the very familiar.
It never occurred that a forest fire would offer new insights into Psalm 23—but
it did.
The fire
long quenched, opened views, blackened trees, professionals come to evaluate,
decisions, decisions, decisions.
Craving
comfort food, I return to the 23rd Psalm—a passage that has rattled
my brain since childhood. Do I believe its expressed, comforting, challenging
truths?
David speaks
these words—David the shepherd, David the giant-killer, David a man who sins,
David the enjoyer of an intimate friendship with God. His thesis: “The Lord is
my shepherd; I have all that I need” (Psalm 23:1, NLT)
David well
knows the role of a shepherd; he lived it. As he provided for and protected the
sheep in his flock from eminent dangers, he is keenly aware of God providing
for and protecting him from unknown dangers.
Do I believe
God provided for and protected me in the midst of the fire? I know he protected
our home … but how did he protect me?
Sure, I have need of a physical dwelling; I also have spiritual and emotional
needs. God knows—and declares, “I have all that I need.”
My
temptation in the midst of crazy life is to blow past God and jump on the details.
I hear these words, pay attention to the details. Call this agent; check in
with this person; make these phone calls; do the next thing. Important—yes.
Necessary—at some point, yes. But the most important—no.
More
important than knowing the Lord is my
shepherd, I need to experience the
Lord as my shepherd. This is what quells the storm and quiets the many voices. And
in the midst prioritizes life.
So I seek the
green pastures, perhaps a pretty city park. For me the beauty of creation
(whether Gods handiwork or mans) is restorative. There in the quietness I
breathe, I relax, I listen, I am revived. “He renews my strength.” (NLT) “He
restores my soul.” (ESV) Psalm 23:3a
The plethora
of details waits.
Something
marvelous happens, with revival and renewal comes insight—the next right path.
This is the path I need to follow; this is the path that will bring honor to
God as well.
I leave this
place of beauty with more than a do-list; I leave with peace, with expectation;
I leave with courage; I leave having experienced
the Lord as my shepherd. I’m learning to believe.
What about
you? What quells and quiets the storms of your life?
“The Lord is my
shepherd; I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1 (NLT)
This is beautiful, Sue. Your experience has also been mine. Thank you for reminding me that I do not need to remain in a place of anxiety and confusion. Indeed, we have a good shepherd.
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