December 31, 2023 – January 17, 2024

After The Depression

(a meditation on Psalm 23)

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I 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 have anointed my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

the world about me clamours

THIS! THAT! THE OTHER THING!

I try not to care, yet I do

its voice is astoundingly loud

but the Lord, He is my Shepherd

I do not lack any good thing

the peace of His presence overwhelms me

my damaged soul is being made whole

His hand upholds my walk with Him

my God! how wonderful is Your Name!

I need not fear destruction

for You are with me

You have saved me

You protect me

though darkness for many years assailed

I did not fall

for You held me

safe

You held me

safe

despite the storms that raged about

in the impenetrable fortress of Your love

I did not fall!

in the cold of my darkest night

You!

and You alone!

kept me

safe

I will forever praise your glorious Name!

thank You!

oh my God!

thank You!

that I can stand today in light

is a gracious gift from You

the Father of lights

the only Light

thank You!

oh my God!

thank You!

that You, my constant Light

have saved me from the night

thank You!

oh my God!

thank You!

that Your mercy, as vast as it is

has only just begun