The Lord is my…
What’s the Lord to you? Your Shepherd? Director? Boss? Father? Friend?
Recently, when reaching the end of a retreat, I led a group of women in an exercise of engaging with Psalm 23. We talked through this beloved psalm of David, imaginatively placing ourselves in it, and asking such questions as: Is the Lord my shepherd? Do I graze with the flock? Does he lead me beside quiet waters? Can I fear no evil? Do I feast with the Lord? Do I live in God’s house? (I recommend giving this a try – you might be surprised by how God speaks to you through these familiar words.)
Our exercise was to personalize Psalm 23. I read them my version from a writer’s point of view, but delighted in their creativity when, at the end of the exercise, they read me theirs. With permission, I reproduce two here:
The Lord is my strength, I lack nothing He makes me lie down in green pastures He leads me beside quiet waters He strengthens me He guides my feet along the right path for His name sake Even when I go through difficult and trying times He strengthens me I WILL NOT FEAR FOR YOU ARE WITH ME YOUR PRESENCE AND PROMISES COMFORT ME You prepare a table before me in my times of doubt and fear You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life I will dwell in the house of the Lord foreverThe Lord is my closest Friend. He knows everything about me. He draws me to a quiet place and refreshes me. He brings everything back into perspective and renews me. Even when I go through the storms of life He is right there beside me. He rescues me from evil, heals, comforts and restores me. He prepares a banquet before me in the presence of all my enemies. He anoints me with His precious Spirit and my cup overflows. Surely blessings and love will be with me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the Lord’s house forever.
Why not, this weekend, take some time and write your own?
Love it! Something for me to do on Sunday afternoon
If you’re comfortable, Chris, would love to see your version!
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