As part of pouring out, that others may be edified, the following is meant to encourage and demonstrate that there is always a light at the end of a tunnel, and that Light is Jesus.
During the silence, I went through a dark period - a cold place. Such darkness and coldness I have never experienced. Indeed, tunnels have that effect; and if one is claustrophobic, it probably doesn't help your spirit. I'm not claustrophobic, but I am claustrophobic in the spiritual realm. Being in that spiritual tunnel was not good for this spiritual claustrophobic (not sure if I just invented a noun here :-/).
Walking in a tunnel where I ceased to feel, ceased to dream, ceased to hope, led me to silence. There were no words in my heart, no thoughts in my mind. But it was here, where I lacked words in my heart and thoughts in my mind, that the Word of God was drizzling gently over my soul, His Spirit testifying to my spirit of my Father, and His love patiently and gently shepherding me beside the QUIET waters. Eliminating the noise, the thoughts, the expectations of others and the world, left me with the most important choice needed in order to listen to the one and only voice worth listening to: His voice.
Like Elijah, the Lord gave me food and provided rest; the journey I would be taking would be a long one and so my body needed to be replenished. This is where I am now. Ready to embark on the path the Lord has set before me, and every step I take will be with His hand holding mine.
Psalm 23 is a gentle song, a tender reminder, of how the Lord gently shepherds our hearts, and how wisely He takes His time. He does not follow the timelines of other people, doesn't adhere to our expectations; He simply shepherds according to His infinite wisdom and limitless love.
I pray you experience Psalm 23 in a new light while you go thru your tunnels. It is my prayer that God reveals Himself to you in a new and special way, and that you are unusually aware of this revelation.
May your meditation on the following words bring much fruit!
Psalm 23 A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
My Shepherd (Psalm 23) by Michael Card (linking to youtube video)