Complicated Hope

Psalms 23: A Psalm of David

The Lord  is  my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

The 23 Psalms is the first long passage of scripture I remember memorizing as a child. It was the first long passage I taught my children. I would dare say it is the passage quoted across most faiths and worship styles – one area we can all agree on and different translations have little variance making it a commonality for followers of Christ despite the translation we tend to favor.

Recently, Maverick City and Elevation Worship recorded a worship track based on David’s song entitled “Shall Not Want” on their album “Old Church Basement” – this has been my go-to album since it’s release this fall.

Listen here

In a time of hopelessness and anxiety, two things from this Psalms bring me Hope today: Valleys are Good and, I am not alone.

“The Grass only Grows in the Valley and that’s where You are.”

Living 12 years in Colorado, I have been on mountain tops and in valleys. I think that people who extoll the wonders of “mountaintop experiences” with God have never been on a true mountain top. Though they are talking about emotional exhilaration and the view, they ignore the danger. Mountaintops are rocky. The rocks are loose and it is hard to gain your footing. They are treacherous. The wind sheers have taken hikers unaware and dashed them on the rocks below. You have to be constantly aware of your surroundings and know what you are doing when traversing the edges of steep mountaintops. Yes, the view is amazing, but the threat is real.

But the valley! That’s where the cool streams run between grassy banks. It’s shelter from the wind and rain. The valley at midday is warm with bright sunshine that refreshes and nourishes and watches over all growing things. At night, the air is calm and rest is easy. My Shepherd watches over me.

“My Soul has a Shepherd in the Valley and I shall not want.”

I am not alone. Not only am I not alone, I have a Shepherd. Someone who has thoughtfully gone before me to make sure there’s a place of safety, shelter, rest, nourishment and comfort. He has prepared a place for me. Sometimes that place is with my enemies – but God has made provision for those circumstances. Sometimes a shadow falls over me – but that’s because something is standing between me and the Light of Truth – God is still there!

Jehovah Shammah

This is the name of God I return to time and again. We find it in Ezekiel – The God Who is There. In my past. In my present and in my future. He is not limited by space or time which means wherever I go, He has made provision for me!

Lord, we have Hope! We are not alone! You have made provision for this very moment. I choose to rest in your the knowledge that you are with me and you lead me and you will never leave me.