I had a wonderful professor in seminary, Dr. Lacoste Munn, who, when speaking about a God’s Word, said it was “shallow enough for a child to wade in and deep enough for an elephant to swim in.” I have found that true throughout my life, and while much of the time I prefer the shallow banks, today I took a swim in Psalm 18, and found it so refreshing.
Though written by David upon his deliverance from his enemies, the words simply jumped out at me, as I found them applying to my grief walk. Maybe you’re going through something similar. If so, I hope these words will be an encouragement to you today.
I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
This is my greatest joy — to know the Lord. He is my strength, my rock, my fortress. Life is secure in him.
The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord.
Yes, when grief takes hold, it’s as if I’m bound by cords of death. Life has been snatched by death, and I’m confronted with my loss, a loss that leaves a hole and reminds me of my own frailty. What do I do in my distress? I must call on God.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy.
The Lord saves me from the depth of depression. He keeps me from sinking deep into despair.
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness.
When grief took hold, the Lord knew I needed space, a place of rest, and he’s brought me to that place. He does this, because I’m his child, not because of my goodness, but because of Christ in me. As he delights in me, he wants me to step back and delight, once again, in him.
I have not done evil by turning from my God. All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees.
While I’m in this spacious place, I have not turned from God. I keep his Word before me and continue to walk in his way. I stay away from the temptation of evil.
To the faithful you show yourself faithful.
The Lord will continue to teach me and guide me. I know he will not leave me in this place alone.
You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance.
As he turns the darkness of grief into light, he will show me how to move forward.
You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.
Moving from a time of struggle to rest, he makes the path smooth and wide before me, allowing me to grow stronger for the journey ahead.
Therefore, I will praise you among the nations, O Lord; I will sing praises to you name.
He alone is worthy of all my praise, and I will make him known to those around me, for there is no one like God.
Has your path grown difficult due to grief, loss, or sin, I pray you turn to the One who is able to lead you to green pastures, quiet waters and a time of restoring of body and soul.
Grace and Peace