When asked if we like poetry, many of us may initially say no, associating it with confusion and complexity. But as we mature, poetry can begin to reveal its beauty—its ability to speak to the soul in ways plain language cannot. This is why, for this year’s Lenten journey, the Psalms—poetry from the heart of Scripture—can be our guide. Lent is not just about discipline or tradition; it is a season for deep reflection, to draw close to Jesus, and to let our inner lives be shaped by God’s Word.
The Psalms belong to a group of biblical texts known as wisdom literature, alongside Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. While Proverbs gives us straightforward advice and Ecclesiastes wrestles with life’s deeper meaning, the Psalms bring raw, emotional, and unfiltered expressions of faith. They are cries, praises, and prayers that embrace the full range of human experience—joy, pain, trust, doubt, victory, and loss. The Psalms don’t offer clean answers, but they offer a sacred space to ask the hard questions and still remain in relationship with God. This makes them the perfect companion for our Lenten walk, where we are called to remember, to return, and to rest in God’s presence.
One of the most cherished Psalms, Psalm 23, is a fitting beginning to this season. Its opening lines, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing… He makes me lie down in green pastures,” offer a picture of peace, safety, and provision. These verses resonate because they speak to our deepest longing: to be cared for, guided, and restored. Just as we remember the calm moments of vacation despite the stress, so too does Psalm 23 invite us to recall and dwell in the moments when we felt most held by God.
But Psalm 23 doesn’t stay in the green pastures. It takes an unexpected turn: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Life, like weather, shifts constantly—from sunshine to storms. We don’t walk through valleys because we did something wrong; we walk through them because they are part of life. Even King David—beloved, powerful, and anointed—knew suffering, betrayal, and fear. His words remind us that no one is immune to hardship, not even those closest to God.
Yet the promise of this psalm is not a life without darkness—it is that we are never alone in the darkness. God’s presence, His rod and staff, bring comfort and guidance. David doesn’t say “if” he walks through the valley, but “even though.” It’s inevitable. But so is God’s companionship. This assurance transforms our pain; we do not walk aimlessly—we walk with a Shepherd.
The psalm ends with confident hope: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” David knows that God’s goodness is not conditional or seasonal—it is constant. Just like the care required to hatch baby chicks in a preschool incubator, God is faithfully and quietly nurturing new life within us, even when it seems like nothing is happening. In time, that life will break through.
A little boy once tried to memorize Psalm 23 but struggled. When it was time to recite it, all he could remember was, “The Lord is my Shepherd… and that’s all I need to know.” His simple faith is a powerful testimony. In seasons of uncertainty, when answers seem far away, what sustains us is not perfect understanding, but deep trust.
Lent is an invitation—not just to practice tradition, but to listen, reflect, and remember that God is always near. As we meditate on the Psalms, we’re reminded that we are not alone in our questions, our fears, or our praise. God is our Shepherd in every season—whether we are in green pastures or dark valleys. And as long as He is with us, we have everything we need.
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