If you know only one psalm, that’s it. It’s everybody’s favourite.
I remember that my mother was away on study leave in the UK when she sent me this prayer to learn by rote. A little girl then, I didn’t know that it came directly from a page in the Bible, just as I didn’t really recognise that very book was the source of all the readings in our Sunday missal. You see, as young Catholics we weren’t taught to go directly there. It was during my parents’ together excursions from home that I often stole the chance to peek into the Bible that was kept, of course, in their bedroom, out of children’s peering eyes. And when I did, I always seemed to open to the pages that presented a frightening apocalyptic view of divine wrath being poured out. And so, I learned to keep out of what was kept out of my view!
The Lord is my shepherd! I have no objections to being called a sheep. I’ve been called a fool by foolish people who don’t recognise how brilliant I am, with a well above average IQ- if that’s anything to brag about. I don’t mind being classified as dumb if being the Lord’s very own sheep is only for those who are dumb.
I relish in knowing that I am well-kept because I’m in the Shepherd’s hands. I recognise that the only reason why I have no wants is because the Shepherd does, indeed, provide for all my needs. When I can’t have it, maybe I should not want it. Considering that I’ve received so much that I couldn’t afford materially or otherwise.
I like calm cooling waters, even when they flow like a trickle as in my own back yard brook that I so long to return to. Enjoying the view of water there, and everywhere else I have the pleasure of going while I long to be back there- can be exhilarating! Only that when I see images of dirty water that starving, desperate children are forced to drink, I wonder why their torturers don’t know that the Lord is meant to be their shepherd too.
And through it all, even through those daily, hourly, horrendous newscasts that would tear my soul apart, I find that soul restored in the One who always pours in new life. For Goodness’ sake, I am headed in the right path, towards God. Thank God.
And when the atmosphere is darkened- literally “The Valley of the Shadow of Death” I have still found life in death, and light in the darkness. That rod leads well, and that staff has hooked me out of many a danger. Comfort and consolation unparallelled.
My table- full of variety. I’m learning to limit my cholesterol intake. I’m learning that plenty is not always necessarily that much; but with Christmas approaching, I admit that Caribbean Christmas fruitcake is on the agenda! All part of the Shepherd’s Table for me. There’s nothing wrong with my cup overflowing with sorrel and ginger beer, except that some people don’t even have enough water.
Yes, Goodness is mine to know, all because Mercy lets me have it. All the time. And that’s exactly where I want to be- in the house of the Lord my whole life long.