The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:1-6

Dear God, as I just read this, I was trying to separate out all of the times I’ve heard and read this in my life, and try to see the words from David’s perspective. What was he experiencing at the time? Was he at a high spot, worshipping you, or was he in a valley and trying to remind himself of your goodness? As the modern church we seem to have grasped the “valley” part and adopted it for funerals. In fact, I’m going to a funeral this afternoon and the odds are probably even that I’ll hear it read there.

It made me think about a song by Rich Mullins called “If I Stand.” He said that he wrote it for the times in his life when he was doing great and things were at a high and also for the low times.

(Chorus) If I stand, let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through. And if I can’t let me fall on the grave that first brought me to you. And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs. And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home.”

Things can get awfully confusing in the moment. As a human with a small mind I so much lack perspective. And things can also turn on a dime. I can be feeling great and secure one moment and literally five minutes later be scared and confused. I think maybe one of the things this psalm tells me is that, at the deepest of levels, I can be at peace in any situation. Whether I’m in the green meadow or the valley of darkness or death, I am still you lamb and you are still my shepherd. Ultimately, as my shepherd, you’re going to do with me as you will, but that’s okay with me because you are good and even if your plan for me isn’t what I would choose, I worship you, submit to you, and trust you.

Father, help me to mean and live out what I just said. Help me to be your servant in every situation and to learn what you would have me to do in sharing this with others.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen