A Psalm of Hope

After a difficult week of snow and ice, stress and blood pressure issues, the weather broke enough to take an afternoon motorcycle ride. I felt the tension leaving my body and mind as I rode into the setting February sun. The temperatures were low 50s, the roads dry after days of snow and black ice. A near perfect day for a two-wheeled cruise.
I rode up on a favorite location not far from our home, a large cattle ranch with rolling hills and a creek running through the middle. I felt the sudden urge to pull over, snap a couple of photos, and I found myself reciting Psalm 23-

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever.

The moment was holy, as I felt the presence of God meet me there, on the side of the road, the sun setting over the fields, as I spoke aloud those beautiful, historic words. David must have penned the words looking out across a similar scene, and felt the same Presence I did, thousands of years ago. I felt a kinship with David, despite all these miles and years separating us. The same wonder and awe, the same faith, in the same God.
And the God who watched over him, watches over me.