The story discusses the well-known passage from Psalm 23, which begins with “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” and explores the importance of these words in providing comfort and reassurance to believers. The passage is attributed to King David and is seen as a declaration of God’s provision and care for his people. Işık Abla, a pastor and author, shares her personal experience of finding solace and healing through her faith, particularly in moments of darkness and despair.
Abla, who converted to Christianity after experiencing a personal encounter with God, emphasizes how the words of Psalm 23 served as a source of strength and hope for her during difficult times. She highlights the significance of God’s presence as a source of sustenance and abundance, even in moments of scarcity. Through her journey, she found that God’s grace and compassion were transformative, leading to healing and restoration of her soul.
The passage in Psalm 23 also speaks to God’s promise to lead believers beside still waters and make them lie down in green pastures, symbolizing his desire to bring tranquility and peace to their lives. Abla reflects on how she allowed God to guide her to places of rest and rejuvenation, much like a shepherd caring for his flock. She found comfort and solace in seeking moments of peace in the natural world, which mirrored the peace and beauty that God provided.
Healing from trauma, according to Abla, is a process that involves more than just overcoming past pain; it is a deep and profound renewal of the soul. By leaning on God’s promise and actively seeking restoration, she discovered a newfound sense of vitality and purpose. Each step forward in righteousness led her away from the shadows of her past, guided by God’s loving hand and offering a way through suffering towards healing.
Abla emphasizes that God’s plan for each person is not determined by their past trauma, but by the healing and restoration he offers. Like a shepherd caring for his flock, God attends to the broken spirits of his people, leading them to peace, restoring their souls, and guiding them in righteousness. She hopes that others who are struggling will find the same hope and healing in Psalm 23 that she did and encourages them to trust in the Shepherd who promises to carry them through adversity and lead them into peace.
In conclusion, Abla’s personal testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and God’s love in the midst of hardship and despair. Through her own experiences, she found that God’s presence and guidance were instrumental in her healing and renewal, offering hope and restoration to those who are struggling. Psalm 23, with its comforting and reassuring words, continues to provide solace and inspiration to believers facing challenging circumstances, reminding them that they are not alone and that God is ever present, leading them with love and compassion.
