A new take on the 23rd Psalm
When I was a little girl, I remember vividly reciting the 23rd Psalm in Sunday School and then as I grew up I would read it from time to time but it wasn’t until my divorce that I read it with new meaning.
There were times during my divorce I wanted to act or say things that I knew God would not be pleased with but I wanted to do what I wanted to do for instant gratification. However, I knew that my way needed to be His way because He promised me he would have my back, restore me and deal with my enemies. I’m sharing my divorce interpretation with you in the hope that it will help you as much as it helped me.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (He will take care of everything in this divorce).
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures (He allows me to rest in Him): he leadeth me beside the still waters (He calms me).
He restoreth my soul (the hurt, the heartbreak, mistrust will be healed): he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake (He helps me to do the right thing even when bitterness takes over).
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (death of my dreams and marriage, shadow of divorce), I will fear no evil (whatever my ex could throw my way): for thou art with me (He is beside me every step of the way); thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (they not only comfort but protect me).
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies (going thru a divorce you live your life in a fishbowl with gossips, those who are jealous and friends who turn their backs on you, so in reading this I took great solace knowing that He would turn this for my good): Thou anointest my head with oil (He loves me); my cup runneth over (He will restore me and give me more than what I lost in all areas of my life).
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (His promise to me): and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (going through the divorce strengthened my faith more than I thought possible).
Don’t let divorce shrink you; let it stretch you in your faith, your way of thinking, your strength and your actions and your ability to forgive.
Debbie Martinez is a certified Mindful Life Coach specializing in divorce, a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator, Parent Coordinator and trained in Collaborative Divorce both in Florida and South Carolina; she also writes for The Florida Villager and is a contributor to The Huffington Post. She may be reached via Debbie@transformationthrudivorce.com and her website is www.transformationthrudivorce.com.
