Who Walked With You?

Shepherd me, O God

I have been the pastor for the saints of Seneca Presbyterian Church for only two years. In these years, we've faced some difficult journeys together. Too many of those saints have walked through the land of deep darkness where they have battled for life. I am grateful to God that many have come through that journey and have arrived safely on the other side. But many have not. Many have faced tragedy that was absolutely unimaginable when first we met two years ago. Which started me to wondering. 

When a congregation selects a pastor, they look at credentials and consider theology. They analyze that first sermon to see if this is someone they can listen to for 20 minutes each week. They want to know where the person grew up and what's their favorite desert. Do they ever consider whether this person is the one they can trust to be their pastor when the way gets dark? Does it ever cross their minds that this may be the person who will visit them in the hospital or preside over a memorial service for their spouse? The thought amazes me - how significant is the choice, how trusting is the relationship, and how profound is the gift of being a pastor.

The gift of that pastoral relationship permeates the words we will consider this Sunday. They are some of the most amazing words in all scripture - the 23rd Psalm. What a treasure it is! The words are so powerful and so intimate that you know they had to come from an overwhelmingly real experience with the living God. As I have worked with the psalms over these past weeks, I have seen in them the richness of Israel's theology. I have found a new appreciation of the miracle of Hebrew faith - how in a world of distant, powerful, and disinterested gods, it articulated and embodied faith in a God who desired a relationship with humans. This is a God who can be questioned, challenged, and trusted. And the psalms do just that.

As we all prepare to worship that God this Sunday, consider:

• When have you felt led by God? 
• When have you felt protected by God? 
• When have you felt pursued by God? 
• What have been the tangible signs - the table - of God's presence in your life?