“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.23.1-6.NIV
Shepherd, this sheep is crying. I feel like I am lacking in everything. This dark valley stinks. I don’t want to be here. Lead me to the place with the still water and green pasture. I will have enough to eat, drink, and rest when I finally arrive. I am frightened by the noises in the darkness. I need You to protect me with Your rod and guide me to safety with Your staff. Why do You serve me a banquet in front of my enemies? I would rather have a pauper’s meal with friends. Why do You anoint me with oil? I am not a leader. Remember? I am in the dark valley. I can’t find my way out, much less lead someone else through it. My cup is drained – not overflowing. When will it overflow? I know that I am just a sheep. I don’t know how to go where You are leading me, on my own. I need You to guide me. With You, the valley is not so scary. Please be my Shepherd always. I can’t find my way out of the valley without You. Thank You for loving me enough to want to lead me to the green pasture and calm water. I wish that another way existed to get there, besides going through this valley of darkness. Maybe, the rest of this journey won’t be so bad with You to guide me.
Journey with Monica 