The Path and Pace of Grief

David’s words have been spoken again and again in times of sorrow and grief. They’ve ministered to every generation since they were penned, so we turn to them not because they are poetic but because hope resonates through the clutter of pain.  This psalm speaks to God’s presence with us as a guide to all of life - even the hard parts. John Ortberg has a phrase “being present to the Presence in the present” to bring awareness and fullness to life. His presence is easily forgotten during the good times and questioned in the moments of grief and loss.  Learning how to grieve well in light of hope involves the truths of this psalm. [1] Tune your heart to recognize God when things are green pastures and quiet waters. [2] Trust him as a guide in life for the path you’re living, even when that path is through the darkest valley. [3] Pay attention to the pace of a walk. For sake of ease we try to rush through the grief of a dark valley or numb ourselves or deny our sorrow (all these work counter to his presence). Focus on directions, not speed.