“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most. Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow! Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.” (Psalm 23 The Living Bible)
You have probably heard the comment before, “It’s not safe anywhere these days.” People are saying that in view of the fact that violent behavior and crime are not restricted to any specific area or size of a community or expansiveness of a metropolitan area. Violence and criminal acts do not play favoritism or exercise prejudicial preference when it comes to the areas in the city where they make the morning news.
When I hear this statement, I think of the safe place we find in the arms of Jesus. When I lived in Illinois, at the church I attended, a soloist reminded us of this with the following lyrics periodically. It was not a one-time solo, but every once and awhile we needed to be reminded about our safety. Here are the lyrics from Milton Brunson and The Thompson Community Singers, and adaptation of Psalm 23 found above.
“Because the Lord is my shepherd,
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in the meadow’s grass
and He leads me beside the quiet streams,
He restoreth my failing health,
and He helps me to do what honors Him the most;
that’s why I’m safe, that’s why I’m safe,
that’s why I’m safe, safe In His arms.
When the storms of life are raging and the billows roll,
I’m glad He shall hide me safe in His arms.
I’m glad He shall hide me. Safe in His arms.”
Try listening to this on your electronic device. Coupled with the validating, inspirational scriptures verses above and below, you will have an uplifted feeling about “safe.” Be blessed!”
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10 NIV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King