We did this recently in a small group. It was so much fun looking through the other’s windows and seeing it from their point of view. Here’s mine. What speaks to you? Let us know in the comments below.
A Bibliodrama Journaling on Psalm 23
I’m going through the psalm, taking on different roles and speaking, or in this case, writing in first person beginning with the Shepherd.
The Shepherd in the moment when all the sheep have settled down for the night and have fallen asleep. He’s awake and standing guard at the gate. He is looking at his sheep with such tender love.
“I love these little ones! Oh, how I love them! I’m smiling as I think about the personality of each one of them. Even the ones that have given me trouble today. I love it when they come close and rub up against me. When I hear their helpless ‘baah’s’ as they are crying out for help, I want to cradle them in my arms and hold them. I’m planning where to take them tomorrow and I am excited about leading them to a new and beautiful place.”
The Green Pastures: “My green grass is nourishing and tasty. I long to be a feeding place for the sheep that the Shepherd brings to me day by day. At night, the dew settles upon me and refreshes me. I love it when the sheep lie down and rest. I long to be that soft spot where they can land.”
The Quiet Waters: “I am calm and peaceful. If nothing disturbs me, the sheep or people, whoever comes to me, can see their reflection in me. My water is clean and pure. I long to quench their thirst. I want them to slow down and take their time. Not only can they drink here but they can wash off their feet and get cleaned up.”
The Path of Righteousness: “I am a rocky and stony path. Sometimes I’m curvy and steep. But always the shepherd leads his sheep on my path. When they stumble, get weary or think that they are smarter than me, and try to take a short cut I am always there for them to get back on track. Many have tripped and fallen and gotten badly hurt trying to forge their own way. It’s best to stay on my path. I’m safe and the shepherd is always there. On these walks he talks with the sheep and teaches them many things. I love to watch them grow and learn.
”The Valley of the Shadow of Death: “Sometimes it’s inevitable that the path goes through a dark valley. Even though I’m dark and seem scary, I do not intend to harm any of my precious travelers. I protect them with a shroud of darkness, to hide them and keep them safe. No one needs to fear me, for the Shepherd is always there to guide his loved ones through. Trust him! He will get you through it. Lean on him. If I can tell you a secret – it is under my cover of darkness that you can find a closeness to him that is not possible anywhere else.
”The Rod and the Staff: “I am here to protect. I get angry when people try to use me for purposes I was not created for, or if they use me to hurt someone whom the Shepherd loves so dearly. In the valley the sheep need love, tenderness and comfort, not anything that would discourage them. I am here to guide them with love and to give them something to hold on to. I keep them from bumping into obstacles by guiding them gently. Sometimes the sheep get turned around and go in the wrong direction. The Shepherd uses us to pull them back and get them back on the right path.
”The Table Prepared: “ I am a table, prepared and laden with goods, food and arranged in a way that it is also a feast for the eyes. I long to feed them. It there are any enemies they are fading into the background in the light of so much goodness.”
The Anointing Oil: “I have been prepared for a long time , have gone through an intense process to bring healing to your wounds. I’m ready for the Shepherd to take me and rub me on your head, your ears, your eyes, your lips and your forehead. I am a soothing fragrance and a healing balm for all your aches and pains. Let me touch you with the healing oil”
The Overflowing Cup: “I am overflowing with goodness for you. Drink from me and let yourself be filled to the brim, overflowing with joy and delight. Come, don’t be shy. Come and drink. There’s more than enough.
Goodness and Mercy: “I am calling out to you to be still and listen. Don’t run ahead of me. I am with you. I accompany you. I go before you and prepare things for you. I go behind you and clear things up for you. Call to remembrance often that you are never alone. I am always with you!”
As I was writing, I found myself speaking to you. Even in the Psalm David declares what “He” is doing in the first verses and then changes to “you.” I didn’t intend for this to happen in my writing but it did. And the realization grew that Jesus, the Shepherd, was speaking through each item or thing and that, indeed, He is EVERYTHING. He was saying this to my heart, “I am here, watching over you, loving you, guiding you and providing all you have need of. I am everything to you. I tell you in so many ways and pictures to help you understand. I am the Good Shepherd, laying his life down for the sheep.”
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