In 1981 Stephen Freemantle gathered together the collection of beautifully illustrated psalms that his father, James, had painted for his mother, Clara, throughout the years of their marriage. Stephen took this collection to a publisher and in 1982 The Psalms of David, Illuminated by James S. Freemantle was shared with the world.
In his foreword Stephen says of his father, "James was not a religious man, but he poured all the skills he possessed into his renderings of the psalms. Because they are such beautiful love poetry he saw his illumination of them as a testament to his love for Mother."
I have always considered the psalms of David to be David's love story to his God, whether the psalm be a questioning of his own existence, a cry for help or an expression of his love and praise to his Creator.
Psalm 23 may have been written by David, for David, but in its short six verses I find all the comfort I need at this time in my life just as surely as did David. I wonder if he ever thought about how many would be impacted by his beautiful words.
Re-examining Psalm 23:
Am I walking this journey alone? No! I am being led as a well-loved sheep by a Shepherd Whose love is focused on me.
Will I be left wanting for anything? No! Everything is already in place for my well-being.
Will I be unbearably uncomfortable? No! Soft green grass is waiting for me for rest when I need it.
Will I be immersed in chaos? No! The waters around me will be still.
Will I lose hope? No! My Shepherd will not let that happen.
Will I make disastrous choices as I examine my situation? No! He promises to lead me along the correct path.
Is impending death a possibility? Yes! But there will be no fear in this for me because I will be comforted by my Shepherd as I face that possibility.
Will I be overcome with fear and hopelessness? No! Everything I need in order to face my enemies, known or unknown, has been laid out for me already....in fact more than I will ever need.
Is there anything positive in this uninvited journey? Yes! God has reached down in His indescribable way to soothe me and He has given me more blessings than I can count.
Who could possibly ask for more than this?
Thank you, David!
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