Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Psalm 23: A Dialogue

This post is probably the most out-of-the-box piece you will ever read on this blog. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what to write about this week, and this--poem? Prayer? Conversation? I'm not really sure what to call it--caught my eye as I was scrolling through the notes in my phone. In the past week and a half or so on social media, I've seen several people saying they don't know how to talk to God. Well, this is an example of one of the many ways I talk to Him. I wrote this a while ago, at a time when I felt like He was silent. When I don't know what to say to Him, I often use scripture as a starting point. That was the case here. As I spoke the following words aloud, I took time to actively listen, and wrote down what I heard in reply. The more I wrote, the more realized God hadn't been quiet at all...I just hadn't made time to hear Him.

Psalm 23 Cross / Christianbook.com

This is "Psalm 23: A Dialogue"

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.


Me: But Lord, this is not what I want! I asked You for what I wanted a long time ago and You still haven't given it to me. What have I done wrong?

God: You have asked Me for what you want. I will give you what you need...on My timing. Trust Me.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Me: But Lord, his pasture, her pasture, their pasture looks so much greener than mine. My flowers refuse to grow and my grass hasn't been watered in months! And I thought You said the waters were still. I'm drowning here!

God: Your life jacket ensures that you will everlast. Trust Me.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Me: Why is the right way always the hard way?

God: The right way is the road less traveled. Keep going. Trust Me.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Me: I will fear no evil. I will fear no evil. I will fear no evil...wait, wait for me! God, it's too dark! I can't see You! I can't see You! Don't leave me!


God keeps his eye on the sparrow, but remains silent.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Me: Where is my table? Do you know how painful it is to watch your enemies eat while you are hungry? I've been pressing, and pressing, and pressing, and still...no oil. My cup feels so empty.

God: I am not finished filling you up. Your time of harvest is coming sooner than you think. Trust Me.

Me: I trust You, but...

God: There is no lack in Me. Seek Me first and your pastures will always be green (greener than some and less green than others', but keep your eyes on Me, not them). Your path, although riddled with valleys (to strengthen faith and character) will be righteous, and no weapon formed against you will ever prosper. Trust Me.

Me: I trust You, but...

God: It may seem as though your enemies have the upper hand, but fear not. No ear has heard, and no eye has seen the heights to which I am taking you. As for your oil, your fruit is not ripe yet, but in due season, you will reap what you have sown. Trust Me.

Me: I trust You, but...

God: Then surrender. Rest in My grace. Goodness and mercy will follow you if you follow Me. Stand on what I promised you.

Me: I trust You. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Your house forever.

Amen.


I don't know who this post is for, and I apologize if it's all over the place, but whoever it's for, I hope it encourages you. If you feel like God can't hear you, don't give up. Keep talking to Him. He hears. Turn your ear toward Him and listen for His voice. Your prayers are not in vain. Trust me, I know. I've been there. ❤

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