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What a beautiful testimony you provided, 21twelve!

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

Your reply reminded me of a meeting I had a few years ago where some Chinese folks were talking about the underground church in China and how it was such a miracle and flourishing. They said that the increase in faith was so great and powerful. And that they prayed that American Christians would be persecuted so that OUR faith would increase.

After they gave their talk and we were milling about I went up to one of the speakers and thanked him for his wonderful description of the active faith of the believers in China, and added, “But, if ya don’t mind - can ya quit praying for 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. ]

I fear that at least one large American city getting nuked awaits us.. I hope I'm wrong but the shock just may get some peoples attention.. could take more than one..

Thank you oh so very much for sharing your testimony, dear sister in Christ!

I'm very glad to hear that you keep the 23^rd Psalm on display despite the current attitude about such things!

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 agree. The first phrase assures us that because the Lord is our Shepherd, we will have everything that we need.

And the "valley of the shadow of death" gives us the perspective that it is only a shadow.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. - John 5:24

I also find it significant that the 22^nd Psalm which speaks to the crucifixion immediately precedes those assurances. Those who seek Scriptures which are more profound, need only turn the page back and read the two Psalms together.

Maranatha, Jesus!!!