Knowing The Word in Psalm 23

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Comments

Trust and confidence in the Lord is the heart of this psalm, especially the confidence in God’s goodness in this life and in the life to come. I pray this psalm in times of worry and stress because it brings my heart and mind back to the Good Shepherd, who is always with me, always watching over me, and always for me.

Prayer

The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush,

He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals,

He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.

He leads me in the ways of efficiency; through calmness of mind,

And his guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,

I will not fret for his presence is here.

His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity

By anointing my mind with his oils of tranquility,

My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours,

For I shall walk in the pace of the Lord, and dwell in his house for ever.

Toki Miyashina