23

My Best Friend takes care of me;

I shall never lack anything I need.

He insists that I chill out and relax;

He makes a comfortable space for me in a soft field. He surrounds me with thoughts that awaken all my senses of the most lovely things- a warm bath, a feather pillow, lavender and jasmine. A flood of memories of campfires and chocolate Labradors. Sunbathing and scuba diving.

He knows how to restore my tired heart. He calms my cluttered mind. Salty waves play on my exhausted muscles like kneading bread dough.

He softly guides me along the paths of Good and True and Right, for his own Names' sake. He will not let me get lost, not even for one careless step.

Even though I walk through the valley of hard times, I see only whispered threats of defeated foes- they have no power over me. 

I have experienced death already.

I am reborn with the Living God dwelling inside.

He is true to his name Loving and Good.

His shepherd's staff keeps me on the straight path. He is armed to defend me from any wild beasts as a shepherd defends his lamb.

He prepares a beautiful table and he laughs seeing how undone I am at his lavishness. The hall is robust with flavours and smells, and my eyes drink in the ornate golden goblets, the burgundy linens, the violet dressings, the precious stones on the inlays of the chairs. 

No dark thing may enter to disturb the feast. It is forbidden. It may at best perceive what it is not invited to from the doorway.

As I enter the room, my friend marks my forehead with sacred oil. This distinguishes me as His; under His care I am protected, healed.

My goblet overflows with a King's best wine and the ripest fruits.

Surely goodness and love are always before me. A scent near enough for me to perceive how closely He stands gently by my side. 

This is the place I am invited forever. At this banquet table. In His house. In the inner chambers. Not only in the formal rooms, but freely passing from the front of the house to the back. Intimate with my Friend, my Lord, my Redeemer, forever.