Father, you are like a shepherd to me as the psalmist says in Psalm 23: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” Father, you have given me so many, many blessings. I want for nothing. Truly. You have provided everything that I need. Again – “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Father, you have provided a pillow for my head at night and a wonderful bed in which to sleep. You give me rest in so many ways, even when I am awake. When I am stressed and come to you, you quiet my spirit, and give me what I need for that day, that moment. You lead me into calmness by your Spirit. When I stray from you, you always lead me back to you and give me peace. For you do not condemn me for straying. You already made provision for that. Instead, you welcome me with open arms and remind me that I am your precious child. Again – “He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Father, you not only restore my soul and my relationship with you when I come back to you, but you show me the right path, the path of righteousness. So that even after I stray, you do not leave me alone to figure things out. You show me the path I am to follow – one that you have laid out for me, one that leads me toward righteousness. Father, you do this for me, but you also do it to show who you are. You are the merciful, gracious, God, full of lovingkindness toward all who seek your face. Again – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rid and staff, they comfort me.” Though I might go through some frightening and harrowing things in my journey here (and you know I have, many times), the evil one cannot triumph over me. You are always with me, very near to me, protecting me. You guide me out of the darkness, for darkness is as light to you. Your Spirit and your word are like the rod and staff of a shepherd, guiding me in the path I should follow. It is comforting to know you are right beside me, with me, in everything I go through or encounter, no matter how frightening it might be. The enemy does not stand a chance against you. Again – “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Even with my enemies looking on, even when the evil one attempts to take my life or harm me, you provide a table of sustenance for me. You feed me in their presence, letting them know that I am your own. Again – “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Father, you say to the evil one, “This is my child, my very own, one whom I choose to be a future king in my kingdom.” No matter what happens, you are very generous to me. You have given me every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. And you have prospered me here on earth as well. Again – “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Yes goodness, your goodness, and love, your love, will follow me (actually, “pursue” me) all the days of my life. I cannot get away from your goodness and love, for they pursue me and find me no matter where I am. You are my refuge and strength. I live in your presence forever. And what a good place that is! You are all around me, and you have sealed me with your Holy Spirit who dwells within me. I am yours forever. Thank you! Amen.
