Notes from a Sojourn
March 22, 2020
The Lord is My Shepherd
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A
"Yea, 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."
Psalm 23:4 KJV
This familiar verse from the twenty-third Psalm is one of the most well known Bible verses of all time. For thousands of years, this simple phrase has brought comfort to the people of God during difficult and frightening times. Christians, Jews, and Muslims have an affinity for the image of God as a caring and protective shepherd. And the fact is, we do not need to use very much imagination to recognize a frightening or dangerous situation when we arrive at one.
In the text above, I included this verse in the words of the King James Version. That is the translation of the Bible from which I first learned these holy words. Although I do not know when or how I first learned this verse, I have early memories of walking through a darkened house or passing a particularly scary looking set of bushes near my childhood home. I remember closing my eyes and mouthing the words of this Psalm before making a dash to safety on the other side. Looking back, the danger may not have been extreme, but the comfort of the idea that God was with me and protecting me was a significant source of comfort and strength.
Those early occasions for praying Psalm 23 would certainly not be my last. As an adult, I continue to pray this Psalm often. I am still very familiar with my need for comfort and protection. I find those needs fulfilled through faith.
As we all adjust our lives to the public health directives designed to help slow the spread of COVID-19, I know there are people who are in serious need of comfort and protection. At any given time, there are sure to be people crying out for relief from fear.
I do not know who first taught me to trust in God as my shepherd. It may have been my parents, someone from church, a book that was read to me, or a song that was played in my home. Somewhere along the way, somebody took the time to extend a casual message of comfort and protection to a child who would make use of these holy words for decades to follow.
I am grateful for the spiritual comfort I experience in a life of faith, prayer, and service. As I reach out to others during this time of social distancing, I am trying to offer a small part of this gift to others. I have no idea what kind of impact I might have on other people's lives, but it seems right to offer.
If you aren't already doing so, you can join in this work. Call a friend or neighbour. Add a few extra items to your shopping list so you can drop them off for a someone who is unable to risk leaving their home. Send a thoughtful email. Smile and wave from a distance. Donate to a cause like Centre 105 that is helping vulnerable people get through this time. Pray for the people who are not able to pray themselves. Offer comfort and protection in practical ways.
There are many means by which we experience spiritual security. Scripture is one means whose power should not be discounted. The caring action of a community is another means by which we are comforted and protected in the most immediate sense.
It is my prayer that during this unusual, frightening, even dangerous season, we may walk through this valley together, offering comfort and protection, and fearing no evil. In care given and received, God is indeed with us. Today and always.
Amen.
Patrick Stephens+
