In Sunday School we were talking about Psalm 23 with the kids. I need to discuss it in more detail with my own older children. But I was thinking how much that I needed to hear these comforting words - and how the children probably have NO sense of the danger and evil that the world can bring. And especially with a person like Obama running a close race. But - I keep praying that God will not allow our country to reap the punishment that it probably deserves, but will again spare us and deliver us.
But, regardless of whatever happens, He will be there for us. The True Shepherd. And we can sing this psalm even as we walk through the dark shadows of the Valley.
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
You know, the 23rd Psalm is probably one of the first complete chapters of the Bible that a child learns and commits to memory. So we adults tend to somehow 'overlook' it, in search of scripture that is more 'deep' or 'profound'. Yet it is both, in the depth and breadth of comfort and promise it provides. Sometimes the simplest words impart the most meaningful messages.
I placed a very small framed calligraphy copy of the 23rd Psalm on the wall of my office at work about fifteen years ago. Since I am a government official, I suspected that I might someday be asked to take it home. That has not happened yet, and, at the same time, many a person has come into my office, and that small framed piece of scripture has served as the catalyst for a meaningful conversation -- not always faith-related, but somehow uplifting.
It still hangs there, fifteen years later, awaiting the day that someone deems it 'inappropriate'.
I keep praying that God will not allow our country to reap the punishment that it probably deserves, but will again spare us and deliver us.
Thank you for that. I can't help but wonder whether such a 'punishment' might prove to be just the kind of 'cleansing' experience we may need in order to turn our eyes back toward Him. However His will unfolds, we would all do well to reflect on your faithful admonition: Regardless of whatever happens, He will be there for us.
Thank you, 21twelve, and the best to you and yours in these troubling times.
~ joanie
And I am certain whatever happens will be according to God's will.
Maranatha, Jesus!!!