On my way to eye surgery #6 (in less than two years), I used Psalm 23 as a guide to prayer.
In praying through Psalm 23, I praised Him for the wonderful truths in that beautiful Psalm. And I was struck with David’s response: “I shall not want,” “I fear no evil,” and his confidence that the Lord’s goodness and lovingkindness would follow him all the days of his life.
Don’t Want, Don’t Fear, Trust
I had good reason to trust Him through another eye procedure.
I had written a book about preparing in advance for storms (When Storms Come: Will You Be Ready?). He is my loving, almighty Lord.
The Lord had given me practice in trusting Him through job loss, my significant eye issues, and family members’ issues. He proved, over and over and over, that He is trustworthy. He demonstrated His absolute control over everybody and everything all the time. He assured me of His love and faithfulness.
And yet
And yet, even though this eye procedure was “minor,” I was scared.
What’s up with that?!
I’m human…
I cannot, with my own “power,” determine not to fear.
But I can, always, review who He is, my almighty, loving Savior, and fall into His arms.
Our Shepherd
In light of His constant, loving provision, giving us green pastures and still waters, we can be content with His care.
In light of His leading us in paths of righteousness, knowing it is for His name’s sake, we can trust He will get us safety through.
In light of His protection, using His rod and His staff, we can be confident of His goodness and lovingkindness in our lives.
Decide
So, on the way to surgery, I reviewed His goodness, His provision, His guidance, His love. As best I could I determined to trust.
And He is eminently and eternally faithful.
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Please take some time and pray through this Psalm. At the end of each line, praise your Lord for who He is and what He does. Tell Him about your desires and fears. Ask Him to help you not want, not fear, and be confident His goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I 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 have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23)
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P.S. My eyes are fine! Praise God!
