The dragon breathes glowing red fire, scorching anything it touches. You know this: it has burned you. And you know its name: grief.
Loss prodded this fiery dragon into life. Do you know it rises from within you? Its long spiked tail slams you again and again until you can’t breathe.
Sharp claws dig into your skin and then you are flung against the rocks over and over and over until your heart races so that you’re sure it will burst.
But I assure you that you are able to stand against it.
No, not alone. With me.
Get to your feet. You are scraped and bloodied. Get behind me, Beloved. Let my shield and my sword protect you.
The dragon will never leave you now, but it can grow smaller.
It will be contained. By me. I will teach it manners and how to sleep in the cave.
Then I will sponge living water onto your bruises and pour the sweet oil of healing over your wounds.
I will soothe your pain, and I will subdue the dragon.
Get behind me, my love. Let me protect you.
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
Psalm 3:3-4
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved.
