Psalm 23

Twice in my life I've had the privilege of singing a different arrangement of the 23rd Psalm, and both times it has had a different meaning, depending on my situation in life and the trials I was (am) going through at the time. 

The first time was in my senior year of high school--I was in the Idaho All-State Women's Choir in Pocatello and the song was entitled, appropriately, Psalm 23. Singing it in rehearsals was emotional for me when I reflected on the words, but when we were finally performing it in the concert, I burst out in tears right on the stage as the song came to its climax and we sang,

"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me. 

And in the house of the Lord, 

I will dwell forever, I'll dwell forever!

Lauda! Lauda!"

I remember feeling so loved by my Savior that I just couldn't contain all that love and joy. Hence the tears. 

Now I'm in a choir called From the Heart. We sing pretty awesome spiritual songs. We're singing one right now called, "Brother James' Air." It's pretty much my favorite song of our program. 

(Backstory: the choir went on retreat in Island Park this weekend (fear not, separate cabins for ladies and gents) and sang and sang and sang until we had our songs learned.)

One thing I love most about FTH is when people offer personal insight about the songs we're singing.
One thing someone shared about this song on retreat was its message about the atonement, and how, if we trust in the Savior and align our will with His, we need not fear. 

We don't have to be afraid of anything. 

"Yea, though I pass through shadow's death

yet will I fear no ill. 

For Thou art with me, and Thy rod

and staff me comfort still. 

Rod and staff.

Comfort still. 

Comfort still."  

Sometimes when I'm praying for guidance through a trial, I'll receive an answer, and I'll know what it is the Lord wants me to do;

but many times I lack the faith to believe that if I do what I'm prompted, things will turn out alright. 

In my head, I know that the Lord won't let us walk in the dark long before he lights the way ahead, but I have a hard time applying it to myself, especially in the past few weeks.

This weekend I was strongly reminded of this and my testimony of my Saviors love for me and mindfulness of all of His children as individuals was strengthened in a way that I've been searching for in weeks past, but haven't been able to find. 
I'm more grateful than I can say for the examples of my fellow choir members, and their willingness to share the things they feel when touched upon by the spirit. 
"Goodness and mercy all my days will surely follow me,
and in my Father's heart alway, my dwelling place shall be"