fragile, filled and founded

Camilla Hiding from the Storm*****************************

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
~ Psalm 23

*****************************

 

It’s been a rough few weeks navigating these waters of sudden, uninvited grief. Although I’ve felt lost from time to time,  I’ve never lost track of where I’ve been: safe and close to Home.  It’s been an opportunity to put everything I say I believe to the test and while I can’t say I passed the test with flying colors…. God did.

His promises are true and through it all, I was never left or forsaken.  I did  the only thing I knew to do: surrender it to Him and trust that He’d get me safely through to the other side.

He has.

The words of Psalm 23 have provided comfort to many.  Almost cliché from it’s abundant use, this Psalm has been brought into the midst of so many who’ve struggled  through each of the scenarios and needs it addresses.

But the fact is… you don’t know the truth of it’s comfort until you know the Comforter in all Truth. It’s not until you need it that you even begin to understand the nature of the comfort Jesus brings… through the valley, past  the shadow, beyond the death. Then you know.

Not just because you need to know.
Not just because it’s nice to know.
But because it IS.
because He is.

In this IS-ness and  I AM-ness of the Truth,  you then know the abundance of a table prepared and a cup running over. Even in the midst of it all – you are satisfied and comforted beyond your wildest imaginings.

Comforted in the midst of our enemies– the stone throwers, naysayers and backstabbers… and our greatest enemy, Death…. we are guided and granted safe passage…

safe passage through.

Which is why I gladly choose to dwell in my fragile and broken, flower-filled house, founded on the Rock–dwelling and abiding with the Lord all the days of my life– here and forevermore.

I have a guest room and there’s a place for you too.Lorretta signature

6 thoughts on “fragile, filled and founded

  1. beautiful words. I agree that there is deep and powerful resources in this chapter that can be only seen and known when you need it the most. Praying you grieve well and heal deeply.

  2. Loretta,
    So grateful I linked up behind you at Deidra’s so I could read your true and comforting words…sorry to hear you experienced grief, but I am glad you found God’s comfort and presence and I pray He continues to comfort you through it…hugs to you 🙂

    1. Thanks Dolly…truly. And you know the saying goes that a faith untested is barely a faith at all. So, I bow knowing it’s OK. I’m MOST grateful for this and for folks like you who bend a knee and bow alongside me. Bless you.

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