A '23 Psalm (for 25)

With You in the stern,

I will be content.

You allow me to float in green inlets;

You bring me to rest beyond the rapids;

You reinvigorate my soul.

You steer me down rivers of righteousness

For Your glory and my good.

Even though I paddle through waters too high for me,

I will not be afraid;

Because you sit in the stern,

And when I look back,

Your oar is a rudder,

And Your gaze a propeller,

And they comfort me.

In the midst of wild animals,

You spread a picnic for me;

In the heat of the midday sun,

You baptize me,

And even my spare Nalgene

Is always full.

With certainty I will say—

I will sing from the bow!—

That Your goodness goes before me,

And Your mercy sits behind,

Always in the stern,

My rudder,

My power stroke,

My comfort and peace—

All the days of my paddle and portage,

And I will abide

In the boat of my Father

My whole journey long.

Rose Lake, August 2019 - Photo by Sarah Baker