Lent Devotion - Thou Art With Me

Thou art with Me
Written by Doris Homan

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. - Psalm 23
 
January 1, 2021 my sister, Mary Ann Crawley of Decaturville, Tennessee died. She was 88 years old and had been in poor health for the past couple of years.

A few months ago she was taken to the hospital and tested positive for Covid. While hospitalized she was having trouble with her memory and was very confused. One day as I was trying to talk to her by phone, she began to recite the Twenty-third Psalm. It was word by word and from beginning to the end. When she got to verse 4 (Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…) she slowed and emphasized every word. I was shocked and pleased.

Mary Ann recovered somewhat but eventually died. My relatives informed me she had recited the psalm to some of her children and grandchildren, as well.

At the end of her graveside service, her pastor ended the service by having everyone recite the Twenty-third Psalm together.
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Since that time I have had a copy of the psalm in the front of my Bible so that when I do my devotion each night I can clearly recall her reciting it – especially verse 4.
 
Loving heavenly Father, I will fear no evil for You are with me. Amen.