Discovering Shalom in an Ancient Poem
Week 5
Last Monday, I related a personal experience with Psalm 23:3b: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. In today’s post, I’ll present some insights from this same verse which I discovered in Robert Morgan’s excellent book, The Lord is My Shepherd – Resting in the Peace and Power of Psalm 23. I hope you’ll read on …
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
(The sun sets on the Holy Island. Lindisfarne Castle in the background.)
During my long journey of faith, I have had a handful of personal encounters, which I know without a single doubt were divine. The one I shared in last Monday’s post concerning Psalm 23:3 was one of those. I will never forget that middle-of-the-night encounter, which seemed like it was tailor-made-for-Sue.
While those types of experiences are wonderful, by far the most important way I receive life instruction is from the divinely inspired words found in the Bible—a library of books written over several millennia.
I am far from a biblical scholar, but I certainly appreciate reading the insights of those who are students of Scripture such as Robert Morgan in his book on Psalm 23, which I have referenced often during the last few Monday blog posts. Each quote today was taken from Chapter 6 of his book.
Most experts believe David, the shepherd boy who became Israel’s second king, is the author of Psalm 23.
“King David started life as a shepherd, and the lessons he learned in the pasture prepared him for the palace. As stated in 1 Chronicles 11:2, as the Lord placed David on the throne, He said, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel.’” (p. 32)
I so appreciate the way God allows us to be prepared. In reviewing my life journey, I realize the life lessons I learned in childhood; through painful circumstances; as a wife and mother; in formal and informal education; as a marketplace worker; and because of my spiritual hunger and exploration have all prepared me for where I am today.
These quotes (pp.34-36) were helpful:
…The Good Shepherd … has a strategy for every season, and He leads us with unerring guidance every step of the way …
Our Lord knows the way through the wilderness. He sees the future, and He ordains the plans He has for us …
You can’t find a more reassuring subject in the Bible than God’s guidance of His children. In an uncertain age … we’re put at ease knowing that our Good Shepherd is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He knows the future as fully as He knows the past …
Morgan presents several cross-reference Scriptures to Psalm 23:3. These were some of my personal favorites:
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” – Psalm 37:23 (NLT)
“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” – Psalm 139:16 (NLT)
“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life …” - Psalm 32:8a
“The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.” – Isaiah 58:11 (NLT)
Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned in my journey and in working with people as a spiritual director is that the Holy Spirit is trustworthy. I imagine the prophet Isaiah realized this when he wrote: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it …’” Isaiah 30:21
While there may be instances when I veer off in a wrong direction because of my own personality, cultural influences, or sincere but erroneous beliefs, I am completely confident that when I am truly trying to follow God and learn to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd, I will always be led back on to the “right path.”
When [the Good Shepherd] has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. John 10:4
(A shy but curious sheep on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne)
How about you? I’d love to hear your story. How have you experienced the Good Shepherd’s leading?
Shalom, shalom to you and all those you love!
