When I was a child, Psalm 23 was my first memorized Bible chapter. Every year on my birthday God brings me back to the beginning, back to the security of what He has said in his word, back to Psalm 23. Every birthday He heals a part of me that this messy world has messed up, and opens new ways of seeing Him and others.
Today this verse is healing me.
"...your rod and your staff they comfort me..."
These words in His Word are proof of Gods active presence in my life. Growing up I was often left to myself because I have a brother with a severe disability who needed more care. The little girl in me longed for guidance, especially when I was going the wrong way. The message I received was that I wasn't worth anyone's time - the truth is that God was in desperate pursuit of me, He saw me, He heard me. The comfort is that his discipline and guidance show that He is in active pursuit of me today, and deeply cares about who I am, and how I am.
We often associate comfort with the good things; hugs, active listening, presence - and these things do bring comfort. Comfort is also being told no because something may hurt you, having strong boundaries that hug you safely, and being told the truth even when the truth is hard to hear. There is comfort in the hard things because it shows intentionality and care.
I am healing by seeing the situation I was in as a child differently. Today the way I perceive God in this verse has brought me into His healing. What a great way to celebrate another year!
The Lord the Shepherd of His People
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.
