The Lord is my shepherd;

there is nothing I lack.

In green pastures he makes me lie down;

to still waters he leads me;

he restores my soul.

He guides me along right paths

for the sake of his name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff comfort me.

Psalm 23: 1-4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

through the valley of apathy,

the valley of contempt,

of distrust,

of deconstruction.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of doubt,

the shadow of distance,

the shadow of disappointment.

Even then, do I trust.

I will fear no evil, no rejection, no humiliation, no loneliness, for you are with me . Your rod and your staff comfort me. Even when they block my way, when your rod hems me in and your staff forces me on a path I would not choose, even then they comfort me. For my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways.

Though I wander through the valleys confused, unsure, worried, overcome by my own smallness amidst so large a flock, I trust that what you say is true.

I trust that your word will not return to you empty, that if I find myself despairing in a low place, it is because you are not done with me yet. I trust that our journey is ongoing, that you are calling, leading, prodding me forward toward your promise of cool water, verdant pastures, and rest.

I choose to believe that promise.

On a bumpy trail, a monotonous track of irritation when I am tempted to make my own way or out of weariness to rail against what is asked of me, I submit myself to your rod and staff. I submit myself to your guidance and your care. I will allow myself to be loved.

I will fear no evil and I will take the next step in faith, for I believe that you are who you say you are.

I believe that I am who you say that I am.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you.