The Lord’s my Shepherd

I have had a very safe and blessed Lockdown period, so it is the ‘post Lockdown’ phase which I dread, dread going back into the world, into busyness, into stress. I have taken solace today from the 23rd Psalm in the New Living Translation:

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

I have all that I need, even in the Lockdown, even when supplies were low, I have had all that I have needed.

He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength, He guides me along the right path, bringing honour to His Name.

This describes what Lockdown has been for me – a time of rest, a time just to sit and enjoy the green meadows, a time to reflect, study, write, a time to have my spiritual energy renewed.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod & staff protect and comfort me.

I have numerous fears & anxieties which raise their ugly heads when I think about the ‘post Lockdown’ period, but I remember that I don’t need to be afraid because no matter what, no matter the next valley, how deep or dark that may be, or what it will hold, it will be okay because the Lord Himself, the One who has let me rest besides those peaceful streams & meadows, He will still be there beside me. And when I am confused or have decisions to make His Word & Spirit will guard & guide me in the way to go.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

So even though the Devil knows my weak spots and knows exactly how to play on my fears – still even there, even then I can feast on the promises of God and my cup will overflow with His 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.

No matter what the next phase of post Lockdown will look like, God’s goodness and unfailing love will PURSUE me, actively pursue me even in the yet unknown.

The Lord is my shepherd, He will give me all I need, He will be with me, He will pursue me. I can trust in Him.