King David knew other
terrain than green pastures and still waters. He knew parched land and
turbulent storms. Of those times he said:
●"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord?
For ever?" (Psalms 13:1)
●"Hide not thy face from thy servant;
for I am in trouble." (Psalms 69:17)
●"My soul thirsteth for thee...in a dry
and thirsty land, where no water is." (Psalms 63:1)
●"My heart is smitten, and withered
like grass." (Psalms 102:4)
And so David's discoveries in the twenty-third Psalm were monumental
indeed. He exchanged a thirsty land and withered grass for green
pastures. He was no longer a lost sheep for he found the Shepherd. His
thirsty soul was restored. The Shepherd granted him a miracle beside
the still waters.
I have been lost in a thirsty land. I have known trouble, I live in a
troubled world. The Shepherd says He has come to lead me to a place of
refuge--today. He extends an invitation with my name written in His
handwriting. I can accept whenever I choose, for it is a journey
without distance. I can go there now. |
It is a place of abundance, for I shall
not want. It is a place of rest, for I am to lie down in a green
meadow. The Shepherd embraces me and His smile and love restore my
soul. Though there are shadows cast by evil, His path is without fear.
The Shepherd bids me sit at a banquet table He has prepared. With eyes
riveted, we sit together, the Shepherd and I. He listens to my
concerns and asks me to give Him my burdens. I am captivated by His
smile and laugh, and I join. He fills my plate with the abundance of
life and eagerly requests that I feast. He fills my cup until it runs
over. He touches and anoints my head. He assures me goodness and mercy
will follow me always. He tells me I can live in this sanctuary today
and forever.
He leads me to the still waters and asks me to drink. As I kneel, I
marvel at His radiant reflection in the mirrored waters. He steps back
and asks that I look again. There in dazzling radiance is the image of
God. It is my image!
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