“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
God lets me rest in green meadows and leads me beside peaceful waters. God restores my soul.
God leads me along righteous paths.
Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I am not afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
Psalm 23:1-4
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage is from the popular Psalm simply titled, “The Lord is My Shepherd.” Those words remind us that we are never alone, even in great sorrow, for we are God’s beloveds and we are being cared for eternally.
- In addition, we are to release all fears and know that God is our protection, our strength, and our continuous source of comfort.
- When we’re grieving, this Psalm offers us rest and relief from our struggles.
- Our key to healing is knowing that as we grieve, our soul is being restored.
- The Psalms are beloved and timeless because they express a range of human emotions, everything from sorrows to celebrations. Especially, they invite us to experience a richer relationship with God and ourselves.
- Dr. Terri Daniel, an interfaith hospice chaplain, end-of-life educator, and grief counselor certified in death, dying and bereavement is author of four books on grief and loss, including Turning the Corner on Grief Street: Loss and Trauma as a Journey to Awakening. She teaches that grief is a flowing process. To be comforted, she says, we must have safe ways to express our grief.
- Dr. Daniel also assures us that “ping-ponging” between grief and restoration is healthy. The more we allow ourselves to heal, the more we are restored. She encourages us to release guilt about moving forward, so we can live fully. Ultimately, she says, “grief can break you open to a new you, if you let it.”
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What losses am I grieving now?
- List, word map, or illustrate whatever the losses are, no matter how old, how small, or how insignificant they seem.
- When I contemplate these losses, how am I spiritually bypassing the grief by pretending that I feel better than I do?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as applies.
- When I contemplate these losses, how am I spiritually bypassing my restoration by believing I “should” feel guilty for healing?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as applies.
- What are at least three (3) safe, healthy, creative ways I can express my grief?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
- Who are at least three (3) safe, healthy, supportive people who can encourage me as I heal my grief?
- List, word map, or illustrate who they are.
- Then, note what you will do to stay connected with them.
- What do I notice being restored within me?
- List, word map, or illustrate everything you notice, no matter how small or insignificant they seem.
- What new life is revealing itself to me?
- List, word map, or illustrate everything you notice, no matter how small or insignificant they seem.
Go slowly and be gentle with yourself, taking as much time as you need with this devotional. Allow your grief process to flow without forcing yourself to feel something you don’t feel or to be on anyone else’s timetable. Especially, know that you are God’s beloved, loved beyond measure. Be assured: Even the smallest steps forward are restoring your soul.
© 2022 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
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