Psalm 23 (TPT)
Beth (B) – Oh Lord
The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd.
I always have more than enough.
He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.
His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss.
That’s where he restores and revives my life.
He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name.
Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your love takes away my fear.
I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.
You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight.
You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit;
you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows.
So why would I fear the future?
For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life.
Then afterward, when my life is through,
I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!
B – Wow Lord – that is it – it is all. It is you fully – robust and magnificent and for me and not against me. Lord help me to release and receive – release all not from you and receive all from you – All Lord – All – incredibly, majestically, amazingly, beautiful you Lord – All.
– the flip to Psalm 55? Something there Lord -? Show me Lord –
Psalm 55:8 (TPT) I will hurry off to hide in the higher place, into my shelter, safe from this raging storm and tempest.
55:22 (TPT) So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.
55:23 (TPT) He will watch over his lovers, never letting them slip or be overthrown. He will send all my enemies to the pit of destruction. Murderers, liars, and betrayers will face an untimely death. My life’s hope and trust is in you, and you’ll never fail to rescue me!
B – My measuring stick is – are things going my way – my idea – what I think – versus resting in the protection of your arms and knowing you are in control and all will be showcasing your big, wonderful heart of love for me – your way – not mine – wow, that feels like a revelation – I know you know best – help me Lord to release my measuring stick and receive your peace – patience to sit in rest and trust you and your ways – more than my ideas.
Excerpt from Truth In Hard Places