Old School
My grandmother paid me to memorize some of the Psalms. One, in particular, was the 23rd Psalm.
She would sleep in the extra bed in my room when she would come stay with us. As we would lie there, she would say, “Do you still remember the 23rd Psalm.”
“Yes, Grandma.”
“Let’s say it together.”
I was so tired, I just wanted to sleep, and I didn’t remember it perfectly, but she was my grandma whom I loved deeply…
“The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He leads me beside still waters…”
“I’ll say it with you.”
“Okay, Grandma.”
And on we went until I was saying it correctly. Only then could I sleep. I actually complained to my mom once that Grandma keeps me up late by making me say scripture!
She was a tiny woman, but she was a force. She was wise too. She knew what I would need long before I did. She taught me to focus on who God is and to remind myself of his guidance, provision, peace, protection, presence, blessings, unfailing love, and hope without end.
Today I went for a run. I burned calories and pounded pavement with top 40 beats pacing me. I exhausted myself. When I finished, I decided to walk in the woods with worship music in one ear and birds in the other.
Suddenly I was in awe of my God. I wasn’t driven by what I could do or surrounded by the modern world. I was feeling a little old school.
I was carried back to a remembrance of who makes me rest in the green meadows and guides me along right paths. I was in awe of his blessings.
I don’t do my devotions in the King James Version, but today, I had to read it the way it was ingrained in my head and my heart.
Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV)
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 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.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Thank you, Grandma, for teaching me to hold on to a truth that never changes. Thank you, God, for being exactly who you are without fail.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful memory and how beautifully it blends perfectly with today! Prayers and blessings for your writing ministry!