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The Words are Beautiful

I was reading back over an old blog and read this post from February 2008. Its funny how God comforts us through our own words sometimes. No wonder the old testament is filled with the advice to look back to the days of old, and see what God did for you then. Only then, are we able to see what He might be doing in us and through us now. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I did:

YWH is my Shepherd
I shall not want
He makes me lie down in green pastures
He leads me beside waters of rest
He restores my soul
He guides me in paths of righteousness
For His names sake

Even though I walk through the valley of deep deep darkness
I fear no evil
For You are with me
I am comforted by your rod and staff


--I was studying the literal Hebrew translations in this famous passage last night, and found that I like the alternative translations that I found.... waters of rest, and deep deep darkness. A passage that is so widely known that it almost has lost its meaning for those that have heard it over and over again. We say it without thinking about the words. The words are beautiful. Full of hope, full of rest, full of encouragement. God as a loving shepherd. How do shepherds treat their sheep? Rescuing the sheep from danger, providing food for the sheep--good food, restful places for the sheep to lay down.

At my lowest points, I look back and cannot remember a time that I lacked anything I truly needed. I think of the times when I wasn't really sure where my next meal would come from, and I wasn't sure where I was going to sleep--I never lacked the essentials that I needed. Even in the deep deep darkness.

If God provides clothing for the grass, food for the birds, and knows how to give good gifts to those who ignore and despise Him, He will in turn give me all I need, including peace and rest.

Peace doesn't always mean that we are comfortable. He provides rest for the weary, in the most unusual circumstances.

Yet, my soul will, in fact, be restored.
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