I opened the Bible app and saw unfamiliar words. Somehow the text setting had been set to a language I don’t read or speak (Kiswahili?)

Two things struck me—the meaning of the words was behind a barrier of my ignorance. I could try to figure them out or I could change the settings back to a language I know.

In a moment, the meaning and the grace of the single verse from Psalm 23 flooded in. I write about it because the momentary detour feels important to me.

God’s anchoring promises are as true when I don’t understand as when I do. He doesn’t change, but I need to. I need to change my settings so I can see and understand.

Even in English, Psalm 23:4 is both comforting and challenging.

Valley of death?

Dear no evil?

Jesus’ anchoring presence is the only thing that matters, even when he says “wait snd pray.”