I’m struggling to find words to encapsulate all the thoughts and feelings I’ve had this week in a way that makes sense for a devotion. The world is overwhelming. There is so much outside of me that leaves me bewildered and exhausted. On top of that, there is just as much going on inside of me that keeps me similarly bewildered and exhausted. Answers are not easy to come by these days. The cry of “Why?” endures.
Yet, I have found myself in prayer. I’ll be talking to God before I even realize I’m doing it. Peace eases through the tension. I am no longer lost to the chaos within and surrounding me. I breathe. I am alive. I am not alone in this storm. How does the Spirit work like that? With such gentleness and calm, no matter how the whirlwind may rage, to guide us to the space we need to breathe. To be.
I’ve been living with Psalm 23 lately. It’s been on my mind. I’ve been thinking about how often this Psalm is referred to at funerals or during someone’s last days of life. I find that unfortunate because when we do that, we forget how deeply this vision of our God may speak to us on any given day. We forget that the words of God’s peace and gentle care is for us, all the days of our life.
In my time with Psalm 23, I found this lovely paraphrase from The Spark Story Bible Psalm Book: Prayers and Poems for Kids by Naomi J. Krueger and Peter Grosshauser. Its simplicity brought a fresh understanding to this well-known Psalm. May it resonate within your life today, no matter what may be going on inside of you, in your community, or around the world. Let the tender breath of the Spirit bring you peace today.
Like a Shepherd Lead Me
A Prayer from Psalm 23
Like a shepherd, Lord, please lead me.
Like a sheep, I need your guidance too.
Lead me to quiet waters and to green grass
where I can play.
When I am in dark and scary places,
watch over me and see me through.
It comforts me to know that
you will always keep me safe.
Pour your blessings over me, Lord,
and shower me with your grace.
That way I will have goodness and mercy
with me at all times.
Because you are my guide in life,
I will always be in your care.
Casey Cross
Young Disciples Director
Hope Lutheran Church, Eagle, ID
This Post Has 4 Comments
Thanks Casey. Your writing is helpful to me today.
So many people are wondering “why” with all that is going on. We are so blessed to be able to lean on the Holy Spirit to give us comfort.
Thank you, Casey—very uplifting, Magel
Thanks Casey! I’ve been having the same struggles. I agree that this Psalm should be read more than just at funerals. Blessings always, you are a gift.