Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Psalm 23

With all my frail attempts to rid myself of certain feelings of hollowness, God spoke to me through a Psalm I’ve memorized since I was a little child. It is a reminder that He is my shepherd, and a very good one. I shall not want. I shall not go astray. I shall not fear. I shall not feel lonely. I shall not be sad.

Psalm 23 (KJV)
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wish I could write a cheery comment for this post, I'v been going through the same "emptiness" phase for a couple of years now.

vernaloo said...

I'm feeling "empty" too but just pretending to be "full"...maybe someday I'll believe it...

Anonymous said...

Bai! I never thought you're capable of having this kind of moment. But while you're still in that state. Let me welcome you to the dark side. Yep, there are a lot of us here although in your case I'm sure you wont stay for long. :)

Get a grip mate! A badminton grip! And then smash those shadows away.

Ver said...

I love this Psalm. It's significance does not wane no matter how many times you re-read it. :)

Anonymous said...

that's nice, you hang on to God's word when youre feeling blue :) thats admirable of you :)

tin-tin said...

based on the coments, it's like a lot of people are feeling empty also. honestly, somehow i also do. and i'm really trying to read from the Bible God's message for me :)

Anonymous said...

salamat sa pagbisita sa aking blog. exchange links?

Wil said...

I've been there, man. Felt empty several years ago, but I don't nowadays. Perhaps writing down your thoughts (such as your goals in life, what you want to accomplish) in a paper journal will help. I've found that sometimes I just need time all by myself in a quiet place to figure things out. Peace. :)

Anonymous said...

snglguy - i'm not used to this feeling. the last time it happened was when i left my previous job in 2001. I spent 3 weeks in dumaguete reflecting and contemplating. i called it as crisscrossroads.

verns, there is no hint of emptiness in your post. keep smiling little miss sunshine! nahawa tuloy ako sa tag ni snglguy sa yo.

fence, this is just temporary. you know me. I'm not in the dark side. he he he. perhaps, i'm just closing my eyes. i'll be smashing tonight.

Anonymous said...

ver, the word of God is always significant. Sometimes, we attempt to find consoling words from some other source. But the Bible is filled with lots of comforting promises.

cess, God's word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.

tin-tin, what is important is the special relationship with God. I'm the sheep. He's my shepherd.

kurokuroko, i linked you already. thanks for the visit too.

wil, thanks man! i've already done your suggestion 6 years ago, in my hiatus.

Anonymous said...

i don't feel the emptiness. my secret? i have totally placed my trust in the good Lord. i know he will take care of all my needs, of all the needs of my 7 kids. and i have a positive disposition, i have been through ups and real DOWNs, but I kept on trusting.

and the psalm is refreshing, very simple, but well meaning.

cheer up, dear, as we have written in the scrap books when we were very young, "God loves you"

Anonymous said...

thanks sexy mom! Jesus loves me this I know. For the bible tells me so....

Jan said...

One wallop to the soul.

Thank you for posting this. This is one reminder that during bleak times, there is Him to turn to. I've almost forgotten.

Anonymous said...

hey, in time you will be okay. everyone goes through this phase. last week imo pa ko gi console, karon ikaw na sad...one good thing when we have this strong faith in God is that we know whatever happens, there will always be something good in the end.

btw, Psalm 23 is one of my fave verses. so relaxing and so consoling. God bless you!

Anonymous said...

emptiness is good when it leads you to the right well for filling. and from the looks of it, you're on the right track, bro ;)

"...thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over..."

Anonymous said...

That is a very good and popular passage in the bible.

Hmmm...I can't deny that I have "feelings" like that as well sometimes, but feelings can be controlled. Try changing perspective. Instead of "I shall not" let's day "I am/will be happy", "I'll find my way". Hehe. Just a thought to share. :)

vernaloo said...

oh that is sweet :) I do post negative stuff sometimes, no point in hiding them but i always try to be optimistic in my entries..minsan kasi nakakahawa din eh :)

Anonymous said...

My friends and I party a lot but I'm proud to say that we all find time for HIM. All of us go to church regularly. Thanks for this post!

Anonymous said...

alam mo ba yan yung ni-recite ko nung elemntary ako, parang declamation ang style.

Francesca said...

im a jehovahs witness so im very much familiar with Psalms.
I appreciate your post topic about this very much.
I like psalms 37:4 the most. Tried and proven verse in my life.

What Bible translation you use?
I use King James Version the old one (where the name of God is written)and the New World Translation by Watchtower Bible Tract.Also I refer to The Jerusalem Bible .

Para malaman if pareho sinasabi, lol
musta pala, ty sa visit!