Reflections on Psalm 23
Have you ever been in a valley of deep darkness? If we were to translate the Hebrew words literally, that would be a preferred translation for the “valley of the shadow of death”. Think about valleys of deep darkness that we all experience. Dare we name them? Loneliness, sadness, being overwhelmed, feeling threatened — these are some of those valleys we hesitate to name.
When we are traveling though a valley of deep darkness we can be just like an easily frightened lamb. We feel very vulnerable. It is comforting to know when we are traveling through these difficult places that our Creator is present with rod and staff to guide us through. Sometimes the rod is needed to beat back the dangers around us. Sometimes the staff is necessary because the crook can pull us back onto a better path. Valleys of deep darkness don’t need to be lonely! They can be places where the silence teaches us to trust the shepherd.
Have a good day today. If you aren’t in a valley right now, there may be those around you who are. You may be the rod or staff to help guide them through their darkness. May your care giving be blessed with a touch of the divine?
A Prayer attributed to Marcarius the Great: “Lord, help! Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
05.25.11
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