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“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
This beautiful verse is taken from Psalm 23, one of the best-known passages in the Psalms, a collection of 150 poems, songs and prayers written in ancient Hebrew, according to the Bible Project website.
Just under half of these psalms King DavidAbout a third are anonymous, the rest are attributed to various authors: Psalm 23 is attributed to King David;
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“The opening words of Psalm 23 are not just an introduction; they are a declaration of God’s grace and care,” Ishq Abla of Virginia told Fox News Digital.
Abla, senior pastor of Dream Church International in Virginia Beach and author of numerous Christian books, was born in Turkey and raised Muslim, and moved to the United States to escape an abusive marriage, his website says.
Ishq Abla, senior pastor of Dream Church International in Virginia Beach, said Psalm 23 had a major impact on her own faith and conversion. (iStock/Courtesy of Isik Abla)
After having a “face-to-face encounter with God” on the day she tried to take her own life, Abla experienced supernatural healing and converted to Christianity.
“At a time when trauma leaves us feeling lost and lacking, these words remind us that there is a shepherd who meets our needs,” she said.
“His presence was my sustenance, and he reminded me that even in the most tenuous circumstances, I could find abundance in his spirit.”
“In my darkest moments, when it felt like I had nothing left, I learned that with God I lack nothing. His presence is my sustenance, reminding me that even in the most scarce circumstances, I can find abundance in His Spirit,” she continued.
“God has given me his grace, healed my wounds, and given me a sedative to restore my soul,” Abla said, speaking through the words of Psalm 23.
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As the psalm’s text continues, it reminds believers of “God’s promise to lead us beside still waters and make us lie down in green pastures,” Abla said, “which speaks to God’s desire to restore peace to our lives.”
“These words have become true in my journey as God has gently guided me toward peace, just as a shepherd gently guides his flock to a safe place where they can rest and rejuvenate,” she said.
The poem’s images of still waters and green pastures “speak to God’s desire to bring peace back into our lives,” said Abra, of Virginia. (iStock)
“Psalm 23 has become my prayer and practice as I seek out peaceful places and moments in God’s creation and find solace in the simplicity and beauty of nature He has given us,” Abla said.
The process of healing from trauma, she said, “is not just about overcoming past pain, it’s a soul recovery, a deep, profound renewal.”
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“As I leaned into this promise, I found that God was actively restoring my energy and purpose,” Abla said.
“Each step toward justice is a step away from the shadows of the past, guided by the loving hand of the Lord, showing us the way through suffering.”
The path God has for each person is “not determined by the trauma we experience, but by the healing He provides,” Abla said.
“Just as a shepherd lovingly cares for his flock, God comforts our broken hearts,” the Virginia pastor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“Just as a shepherd cares for his flock with care and love, so God comforts our broken hearts,” she said.
God “will not leave us in despair, but will lead us to peace, to restoration of our souls and to justice,” she said.
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Abla said she hopes others suffering will “find the same hope and healing in Psalm 23 that I have.”
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“Trust the Shepherd who has promised to guide you, restore your soul and lead you to peace,” she told Fox News Digital.
“You are guided by a Father who loves you infinitely and personally.” (iStock)
“You are not walking this road alone,” she said.
“You are guided by a Father who loves you infinitely and personally.”
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