<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/dogmouth.net\/photos\/nz\/tourism\/mid\/driving-green-pastures-with-sheep.jpg\")
I notice Psalm 23 is the lectionary text for Sunday, May 3. For whatever reason, I\u2019ve come closer to this Psalm in the past year. I\u2019ve been speaking it and praying it almost daily, and I\u2019ve come to experience the language and movements in surprising ways.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve noticed that the Psalm has three distinct settings, and the first one is particularly appealing to me. The outdoor setting of pastures and streams is what first drew me to this Psalm. When I am in trouble emotionally, intellectually or relationally, I long for the peace and tranquility of a walk with God in a green pasture with close sounds of running water.<\/p>\n
I remember, years ago, I was under a great deal of stress at the church where I was on staff. It reached the point where I could scarcely sleep on Saturday nights. Sometimes I wouldn\u2019t sleep all night. During this trial, I would recite Psalm 23 over and over in the night. I would remind God: You cause me to lie down in green pastures. You lead me beside quiet waters<\/em>. Many times I felt my anxieties melt away as God led me out of \u00a0fear and into a peaceful place of trust and rest.<\/p>\n I wonder if our ordinary times with God are supposed to be spent in this setting. In fact, I\u2019m reminded that green is the color for \u201cordinary time.\u201d The other settings of the psalm aren\u2019t so ordinary, but green grass and fresh water are among life\u2019s most ordinary pleasures, and they represent the way life on earth is supposed to be.<\/p>\n The second setting is the valley of the shadow of death. The Psalmist is a realist and recognizes that people don\u2019t always enjoy the ordinary pleasure of pastures and streams, even when we need them the most. When life takes the worst turn, and we find ourselves deep in a rocky, steep ravine, one thing is certain: God is with us. (I\u2019ll reflect more on this tomorrow. The phrase \u201cYou are with me\u201d is at the ultimate center of this psalm.)<\/p>\n The final setting is that of a banquet table– and not just any table. At this table, I am God\u2019s guest, and God shows me hospitality in full view of my critics (enemies). Sometimes my worst enemy and critic are: me, myself, and I. This setting reminds me that we enjoy the full favor of God. Even when fellow humans set themselves against us (and even when we deserve to be at odds with others or ourselves because of our mistakes and failures) God is our public advocate and gracious host. As long as we remain in Christ, we are in God\u2019s good favor\u2014part of God\u2019s household\u2014God\u2019s guest in all seasons of life. God is not ashamed of us, and God publicly demonstrates this favor in front of those who doubt us.<\/p>\n Check back this week, and I\u2019ll keep reflecting. Has this Psalm touched your life and thinking? How?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n