
"Come to Me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28
I recently met a precious mom for dinner, and we talked openly and honestly about how the journey of grief is like a walk through the "valley of the shadow of death," as is described in Psalm 23.
Walking through the "valley of the shadow of death," can be emotionally exhausting, and it is not a walk that we should try to make alone, but rather in the company of our Good Shepherd. As I have walked with Jesus these many years since Kevin's death, I have often sensed Him calling and urging me to trust Him alone and to enter into His "holy rest." Early in my grieving, I acknowledged my need of Him. I reached out of the "shadows of death" for His hand, leaned into Him (and sometimes He carried me) and He tenderly and carefully led me toward "still waters and green pastures."
Psalm 23 is a beautiful and powerful passage of scripture that reminds us that we are not alone, that we have a loving shepherd who not only understands our sorrow, but who truly and deeply cares for us. He promises that He will be with us always and that He will lead and guide us out of the "valley." May we admit our need of Him and invite Him to be our Shepherd today and everyday.
"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 Thou art with me;
They rod and Thy staff, they comfort me;
Thou does prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
Thou has anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows;
Surely goodness and lovingkindess will follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
May our "cup overflow," as we walk with Him, accepting and experiencing His "goodness and lovingkindness" all the "days of (our) lives." And, may we look forward to the day when we "dwell in the house of the Lord forever!" - Amen!
With Faith, Hope and Love,
Angie "a mom like you"
www.amotherlikeme.info
amotherlike me@gmail.com