Sunday Thoughts

We were singing the closing hymn at church today and it was one I really like.  Its based on the 23rd Psalms.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

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

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

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.

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

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

James Montgomery expanded on the scriptures a bit when he penned the lyrics of the hymn. He did well.

The Lord is my Shepherd; no want shall I know.
I feed in green pastures; safe-folded I rest.
He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow,
Restores me when wand'ring, redeems when oppressed,
Restores me when wand'ring, redeems when oppressed.

Thru the valley and shadow of death though I stray,
Since thou art my Guardian, no evil I fear.
Thy rod shall defend me, thy staff be my stay.
No harm can befall with my Comforter near.
No harm can befall with my Comforter near.

In the midst of affliction my table is spread.
With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o'er.
With perfume and oil thou anointest my head.
Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?
Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?

That struck me particularly today. There are some questions I've been wrestling with recently and the words of this hymn seem to speak to me particularly strong. As if to say it will be okay, just trust the Lord.  In the hymn book, at the end of each hymn, are a couple of relevent verses. This hymn lists a passage from Isaiah.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:3,4). 

The better you get to know the Lord the easier it is to trust in his care.  That is not to say there will be no problems.  But it will be okay, in spite of the problems.  "In the midst of affliction my table is spread."