Discovering Shalom in an Ancient Poem
Week 4
Today, June 22, is my firstborn grandson’s birthday. To Jackson and his lovely lady, Kaylee, G’Ma Susie wishes you Shalom! Today’s Psalm 23 reflection considers a personal nighttime encounter when one verse helped me travel through and eventually discover shalom after a painful interpersonal encounter with a Christian friend. I think some readers will be able to relate …
At times, our faith journey may feel difficult and lonely. Jesus’ earthly journey was often difficult, misunderstood, and lonely. With Jesus as my Good Shepherd, I can be confident he will lead me along right paths that will bring him honor. (steep pathway to Lindisfarne Castle)
In an earlier post, I explained great solace I’ve found in meditating on the words of Psalm 23 during sleepless nights. I also told you the words are generally from the archaic King James Version I memorized as a child.
One particular night around 2:00 a.m., life’s stressors invaded my sleep. Before giving the problems much thought, I began to mentally recite the words of Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Something different happened that night. My mind couldn’t move beyond the words: “he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” In some strange sense, our bedroom seemed to be consumed by that sentence. Repeatedly, I rehearsed those words until finally, I fell asleep. This experience remained at the forefront of my thoughts for many days, and I wondered, What does this mean?
I’m not sure I received a definitive answer to that question, but in the subsequent weeks, I went through a painful interpersonal experience with a Jesus-follower friend. Without the Psalm 23:3 experience, the encounter could have rocked my faith.
Despite the hurt, however, I felt the gentle Spirit kept returning me to that middle-of-the-night assurance. I began to realize in a very real way that Jesus, who declared to his disciples in John 10 that “I am the good shepherd,” could be trusted to lead me along right paths for HIS NAME’S SAKE. I was able to relinquish my hurt and accept this woman’s condemning voice was not the one I needed to hear.
The photos below are from our recent vacation and pilgrimage to Ireland and Great Britain, Following each, I included a lesson I believe I needed to learn concerning the journey of Christian faith we travel—oftentimes with fellow believers whose perspectives differ.
Our “right paths” will take us to different places, and along the way, we will be able to reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd to different people. I believe our diversity as sincere believers in and followers of Jesus is healthy and beautiful—albeit, at times messy! (Road signs along a country road in Scotland)
Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. …
Jeremiah 6:16 (ESVUK)
The country roads in Scotland are narrow and very old. The prophet, Jeremiah, wrote words about “ancient paths” to a nation in great turmoil. Our world today is filled with so much anger and division. During this confusing cultural time, I find great comfort in ancient words, such as those found in Psalm 23.
I love to walk this kind of path at St. Andrew’s Botanical Garden in Scotland. It is flat, well lit, and the flowers on either side make my heart happy!
In contrast, walking a path like this one at the same Garden is a different story. The dry, barren, uneven terrain makes this pathway one I’m tempted to avoid.
(St. Stephen’s Square in Dublin, Ireland)
Love seems to be the defining message of Jesus. Not “mushy gushy” sentimental love but the kind that loves God indisputably, loves neighbors unconditionally and compassionately, loves ourselves with utmost honesty. And if necessary, will even die for the sake of love.
How will those who are skeptical about the message of Jesus know that I am his disciple? I believe these words he gave to his disciples remain applicable to us today:
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
Shalom, shalom as we trust the Good Shepherd to lead us onto right paths,
