Monday, December 21, 2009

The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want....

There is a man at church who has something of a "cell phone ministry" - for me anyhow. It all started back when he would set my cell phone alarm for random early morning times, say like 4:30.

How does he get my phone, you ask? Well, I leave it in the foyer, until the members of the deaf ministry team arrive in case someone texts me to say they're not able to be there. Probably divine intervention that it won't pick up in the sanctuary...

One week, was different. There was no alarm set. I then noticed the "banner" inside had been changed. Where my "Thus Far" had been, was a verse.

Week after week, verse after verse. If nothing else, it got me into my bible. But, many weeks, the verse was dead on. This week is no exception.

For anyone who follows my blog, or has befriended me on Facebook, it's pretty clear that life has been less than smooth sailing recently, which is OK (check in tomorrow for more details there...). I've been through a storm or two and know that there is always healing on the other side.

This week at church was especially powerful for me. Some weeks are more so than others. Typically, I feel it most while I am interpreting music - or watching my friends interpret the same. God has always spoken to me through music, and when I am singing and signing, it is all the more so.

I felt the tears welling during rehearsal, and watched them spill during worship. I'd composed myself by the time we left. I hugged my church family and wished them Merry Christmas.

On my way out the door, I picked up my phone and casually glanced at the banner inside. Sure enough, the 2 Kings verse had been replaced. "Psalm 23" was now in it's place.

I nodded and kept walking. In my car, I fastened my seat belt and headed the mile home. At the bottom of the hill, before turning onto the main road, it hit me.

Psalm 23. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want...", I said aloud. My eyes filled with tears as I continued home.

My heart and my cup runneth over, and I am reminded again and again of how truly blessed I am.

Enjoy the song....

23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

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