Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.”

Have you ever noticed how often in movies or novels that characters (and especially children) instinctively begin to hum or chatter when they find themselves in a dark place? We don’t often go into the dark unarmed. Even when we appreciate the beauty found in a dark night, listening for nocturnal nature, admiring the stars or soaking in the quiet.

Yet behind the scenes a touch of fear stays at that which we cannot see, that which we cannot identify or see coming. Like the darkness of soul or mind or body that suddenly engulfs us changing our present into a closure, our future into chaos.

The prophets remind us that in God there is no darkness at all—neither physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, or any other form we find ourselves walking through. He readily gives us His strength to make choices, decisions and reactions when we falter. And gives us hope to not be crushed by the darkness that lurks around us.

Lord, prepare our hearts to turn instinctively to You when the shadows form. Help us to walk in praise and thanksgiving knowing You are present and walking alongside.

“Prayer was not separate from poetry and song.” Esther de Waal

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 107:14-15

“He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,

And broke their bands apart.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness,

And for His wonders to the sons of men!”