A psalm of David.
23 The Lord is my shepherd.
I lack nothing.
2 He lets me rest in grassy meadows;
he leads me to restful waters;
3 he keeps me alive.
He guides me in proper paths
for the sake of his good name.
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger because you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—
they protect me.
5 You set a table for me
right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
my cup is so full it spills over!
6 Yes, goodness and faithful love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the Lord’s house
as long as I live.
Reflection
I wonder if King David could have imagined, all these centuries later, that this psalm he wrote about his relationship with God, would touch so many lives. Psalm 23 is one of the most popular and well known psalms. It has been set to music, read at celebrations, presidential inaugurations, at bedsides in hospitals, and recited at funerals. Many of us learned to memorize it as a child. It resonates with us because it speaks to the human experience. Each time you read it, you can identify with one of the verses. As children we can understand the
care and protection of a good shepherd. As adults we understand the need for trusting God and seeking God’s guidance. At it’s center this psalm is a song of gratitude and hope, for all that God has done for us, and will continue to do for us, on into eternity.
Psalm 23 is also a description of what a just leader should be, describing how David should follow God’s example by ruling with mercy and justice. In Psalm 23 King David was describing his covenant relationship with God. He speaks of God as his shepherd, a common under-standing of the role of a ruler in the ancient Middle East. As King of Israel, David repents and humbles himself stating he is just a sheep that needs shepherding. He has often made disastrous decisions. King David acknowledges that only by following God’s guidance, can he be a ruler that brings honor to God, by following the paths of righteousness, rather than his own desires and greed.
by Jeneene Reduker
For Pondering and Prayer
We are all sheep in need of our Shepherd. Maybe that’s why this psalm is very dear to me. I memorized the old King James’ version as a child, and that version is forever in my head. This psalm speaks to me and instructs me. I pray it at night after the Lord’s prayer. I pray it as a blessing over the world where ever there is war, injustice and suffering. I pray it as a call to
action, that God will open our hearts to respond to God’s call to be good shepherds like Jesus, to help others. I pray that God will help us to provide food and clean water for those in need. I pray God will bring rest to those who are anxious or worn out physically and mentally with work and toil. I pray it for discernment, that we may be guided by God’s Holy Spirit to work for
change in the world. I pray it over those in the shadow of death, whether through illness, war or injustice, that they will be comforted by God’s presence. I pray it for courage to not fear evil, or become discouraged, but to reject the evil that says all are not made in the sacred image of God. And I thank God for my over flowing cup of blessings each day. I pray that God will continue to pursue us with goodness and mercy and faithful love forever.
Have you ever prayed Psalm 23? You might want to try it. What part of this psalm speaks to you right now? Do you need rest? Are you seeking guidance? Are you in a dark valley feeling afraid? Are you feeling thankful for God’s blessings? Where ever you are on your journey, may you feel God’s presence and faithful love.
Prayer: Holy and Loving God, you are our Good Shepherd and we are your sheep and in need of your loving care and your guidance. Help us to respond to your call to follow Jesus and care for others. Pursue us with your goodness and faithful love forever. Amen.
