Surrounded by His Glory

4:11

Have you ever noticed how many patterns there are in life and the world around us? Great scientists, mathematicians, and artists have tried to understand and define life based on some of these patterns —but still it remains a mystery to man.

One morning while praying about the lives of my loved ones in heaven and those far off, the Lord showed me the image you see on this canvas. Then, as if through a magnifying glass, I was shown an enlarged detail of the scallop shell pattern.

Through research and divine orchestration, I found that the scallop shell was used by Christians on spiritual pilgrimage to the resting place of the apostle St. James in Europe. These Christians on pilgrimage wore the scallop shell as a means of identification and they used them as utensils for eating and drinking. The paths they traveled were even marked with scallop shells on the signposts to point the way. There were lots of different tales about why they used the scallop shell, but as the pattern of its lines come to one point, so they believed their spiritual paths would lead to one place.

As I thought about what the Lord was showing me, in the midst of pain and loss, I realized that Jesus was showing me that we are all pilgrims on a journey and that every life has a pattern—a rhyme with a reason and a purpose. Also, I understood that as I am traveling through it, Jesus is with me, holding me close on the path that leads to His righteousness and eternal glory. He knows the way He has designed for me to go. He knows what is ahead, the plans He has me for me, and the great things that I have yet to accomplish or the influence I am yet to be.

So, as I stand here on my path with Jesus in His glory, I would like to share my version of Psalm 23.

The Lord is my Shepherd and my best Friend.
Because of Him, I have everything I need and so much more.
His luxurious love is my resting place — my green pasture.
He leads me to a place of peace where I can drink deeply without fear.
This is where my soul, my life is restored, refreshed, and infused with hope.
He shows me the righteous paths to take for God’s great pleasure.
This is where I find my greatest joy.
All that He does helps me to honor God.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley where I cannot see the way, I am not without hope.
I know He is with me, holding me close.
He will see me through.
My trust and confidence remains in Him.
His supreme authority gives me strength and peace.
His love comforts me like no other and dissolves my fear.
I am not alone because He never leaves my side.
His constant care comforts me as I experience His protection and guidance.
I am amazed by all the ways He blesses me in the face of my enemies.
He anoints my head with His glorious oil of abundance until my heart overflows.
I will enjoy His love and goodness for the rest of my life — both now and for all eternity. Amen!