As I looked at this beautiful picture out my window tonight many things ran through my mind. I thought about how peaceful it looks and how blessed I am. I also thought of the peace in the picture as compared to how I felt in recent days. The peace of the green pasture?

Have you ever felt alone? Have you ever felt sick? Sick and alone are the two things I detest and fear the most and yet here I am in quarantine. The State of NY Health Dept checking in to make sure I stay home. Honestly, I haven’t felt good enough to even think of sneaking out. I did some praying over the past few days asking God why this year has been what it has. Now Covid really? I hate being alone and I hate being sick and this year there has been a lot of both.

Have you ever cried out and said why? Have you ever cried out and said I just can’t take one more thing? That is where I was Tuesday night. I cried out and poured out my soul to Jesus. Told him how I was feeling both physically and emotionally and you know what he listened. I know he listened because after that prayer I was drawn to an audio bible study on my phone of Psalms 23. I had always thought of this as the funeral Psalm, so I was a little nervous. There was a joke about something like that when I was younger, but I went ahead and listened. God wanted me to know I wasn’t alone!

The words of that Psalm were so comforting to me. Like really listening for the first time. The Pastor explained that some theologians believe the Psalms 23 talks about death others believe it talks about the lowest points in our life, by saying the shadow of the valley of death. All I can tell you is the words of King David gave me a sense of calm I haven’ t had in while and I want that for each of you.

David was a man after God’s own heart, but he wasn’t free from making grave mistakes and he wasn’t free from pain. God used him in spite of him. He used a broken adulterous liar in mighty ways. This shows he can use any of us in spite of us.

For those not familiar:

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not ^[want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, 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 runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

God’s inspired word through King David. I had never really thought about what the words were really saying. I had never thought how they tied to our current relationship with Jesus. I honestly thought they were nice sounding verses for funerals and not totally relevant anymore, after all it was Old Testament stuff.

God cares for us the same way a shepherd cared for his sheep. But what does that mean…..

A shepherd is one who completely cares for their flock. They meet every need to protect them. According to dictionary.com a shepherd is someone who protects, guides and watches over a person or group of people. What a beautiful picture this presents. God is our shepherd he wants to protect us, guide us and watch over us every step of our lives. He does not want to lose one. A shepherd would lay down his life to protect his flock. When I thought of this, I realized how this is exactly what Jesus did. He laid down is life to protect us and provide a bridge of forgiveness. It does not mean there won’t be troubles, but he is bigger than those troubles. What the enemy means for evil God can use for good.

When the verse says “I shall not want” some translations suggest that means you will lack for nothing. How amazing is it that if we submit to Jesus, he will make sure all our needs are met? He met the biggest need of all on that cross in our place.

The green pastures and the still waters. What an image that is. God provides spiritual rest for us because he designed us, he knows we need it. He leads us along still waters which is an indication he doesn’t just leave; he is with us. Meditate on the imagery for just a moment. God taking on our concerns and worries providing us with perfect peace and rest. When we are rested and rejuvenated, he directs our paths in ways that will be best for us and glorify him. This is all part of his creating the ultimate tapestry of our lives.

In the lowest points in our lives, whether that be illness, disappointment, depression, divorce whatever you are facing God is right there with you. Fear is a weapon of Satan and David specifically outlines for us here that with God as our Shepherd we do not need to fear anything, God is our protector. He will comfort us in even the worst of circumstances just as he also rejoices with us in our victories.

The rest of the verse goes on to explain that even when our enemies are right at our door God is preparing our way. Out ultimate destination is eternity with God. What a beautiful picture. If we let God lead and take care of us, he will be the shepherd who never loses or leaves one of his own. The peace we give up by running ahead or not turning things over to God is so much more than we realize.

My analysis of this passage certainly isn’t that of a fine theologian, it is that of an imperfect follower of Jesus who is finding peace in the words of King David and the salvation provided to us by Jesus.

Now each time I hear or read this Psalm I will have a different outlook. I will remember Jesus has provided a way and he wants to be our shepherd it is up to us to be willing to follow him. His plans are better than our best. His plans work making our tapestry a square in his master quilt. Each square in a quilt has a purpose and ties things all together. He is able to take everyone’s ugly side and make a beautiful masterpiece.

Over the next several days take time to rest spiritually, thank God for his work on your tapestry and ask him to show you clear ways your story and your tapestry can benefit others and continue in his master plan.

God Bless each of you and remember I am available to pray or chat with anyone – Just reach out!! We are all in this together.