Church on the beach and a (rewritten) Psalm for you

Yesterday I was having “church” on the beach, trying desperately to connect with God and feel His peace and comfort and assurance in the midst of my heartache and personal chaos when I stumbled across this journal entry from January 6, 2013.

I can’t even remember what was going on in my life at the time or why I was inspired to rewrite it, but perhaps it was just so that I could find it now.

I wanted to share it with you too, friends, because His truth is just as much for you as it is for me.

Psalm 23, paraphrased in my own words:

The Lord is my keeper; all my needs will be met.

He gives me rest in beautiful places.

He takes me to a still and peaceful place and heals and refreshes my soul.

He leads me on a journey of truth – one that is right – to glorify His name and to make His name famous.

Even though I walk through difficult places, tumultuous seasons, and trying circumstances I will not fear evil or things unraveling.

For He is always with me. His hand and voice will correct me, protect me, comfort me, and guide me.

He will lavish generosity on me, even in front of those who disapprove. He will bless and empower me – I am rich beyond measure.

Goodness, love, and faithfulness will be with me until my last breath.

His presence will be with me always; in Him I will forever be home.

Dear friends, aren’t you glad that He meets us in our mess? No matter where you’re at or what you’re facing in life I pray you’re finding your home in Him today.

Love,
A

About Author

Adriel Booker

Adriel Booker is an author, speaker, and advocate based in Sydney, Australia who believes storytelling, beauty, and the grace of God will change the world. Adriel has become a trusted voice in areas of motherhood and parenting, Christian spirituality, and global women's issues. She's also known for her work with the Love A Mama Collective—serving under-resourced women in developing nations through safe birth initiatives—as well as her years spent as a Bible teacher and leadership coach. Her latest book is Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss and she's made the companion grief journal available for free. Find Adriel across all social media platforms at @adrielbooker or sign up for LoveNotes, Adriel's 'secret posts' that aren't published anywhere else online. ✌️

2 Comments

Rachel
29 April 2013 at 9:47 pm

That’s beautiful, Adriel. Words always fail me at the great loss you’ve experienced. I’m so glad you have Jesus.
Rachel recently posted..lest you thought I was dead
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Adriel
2 May 2013 at 8:15 am

thanks rachel. i am doing good. we have a doctors appointment today where we’re hopefully going to hear about some test results. i’m kinda nervous but also feeling excited to have that – another level of closure coming i think. the waves are spacing. And God is still (always, always) good. 🙂
Adriel recently posted..The Sunshine Project: Bringing light into delivery rooms (in honor of Mothers Day)
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Touching base & letting you in on a few secrets

Adriel Booker

writer, speaker, advocate, curator, host

Adriel Booker is a writer, speaker, and curator exploring middle things, like how change and transition, crisis or liminal spaces shape our lives in beautiful ways if we’re willing to stay in the tension long enough to meet God (and ourselves) there. Adriel lives with her husband and three sons among the gum trees and sea breezes of a small town on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Australia on Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri Land.