Matt’s Musings

Dear St. Paul’s Friends and Family,

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

The Twenty-Third Psalm is likely one of the most well-known passages of scripture.  I’ve read these six iconic verses at weddings, funerals, during Sunday morning worship, and by the bedside of numerous people searching for healing or comfort during their passage from this life to the next.  

Comfort and encouragement are two common words that come to mind when I think about his ancient poem.  The ways in which this scripture brings comfort and encouragement are unique to each person and their situation, and yet, universal enough to speak throughout the centuries to generations of the faithful.

I’ve come to see the power of the 23rd Psalm in that it is a story about life.  Our life with others, our life full of joys, our life full of trials, our life full of sorrow, and most importantly, our life with God.  Whether you are experiencing the bounty of green pastures and still waters or the uncertainty of dark, barren valleys, God is present.  God is with us when we experience all kinds of evils and God is even with us in death.  

God, as the Shepherd, leads us through all the seasons of life.  Although this good news is specific to us as individuals, it is also true for all of God’s children.  The universal saving work of God is not limited just to church folk, but to all who are lovingly created in God’s image.  Just think of the many ways God is journeying in our world!  

The Shepherd is walking with the family down the hall of the hospital as their loved one undergoes surgery.  The Shepherd is walking the streets with service men and women, and first responders as they serve their communities.  The Shepherd is by the side of the homeless man searching for shelter and food.  The Shepherd is wondering with the refugee fleeing war as she looks for a home.  The Shepherd is suffering with the abused and the neglected.  The Shepherd is present to those who wield power recklessly, witnessing how they seek to divide God’s people.  The Shepherd is walking with all kinds of people in all sorts of circumstances.  The Shepherd is nearby.  The Shepherd is by your side in whatever you are doing, working, or playing–in your struggles and in your triumph–it is the Shepherd who redeems each of us.  The Lord is our Shepherd. 

God never promised that a life of faith would be easy or free from pain.  The only thing that God promised is that you’d never be alone on this journey of life.  God’s love, mercy, and grace embraces us and protects us from all kinds of evil and harm.  We can be sure that the Good Shepherd will deliver us to abundant life in this world and the world to come.  

Fear not!  Go, live life with God.

Blessings on your journey,

Pastor Matt