I recently find myself turning to Psalm 23. It is one of the most famous chapters in the Old Testament, if not the entire Bible. Many of us who grew up in Christian homes learned the King James version: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” When I lead funerals, it is more often than not included in the service. Even people who have not been to worship in years can recite lines from memory when the congregation reads aloud in unison. I think there is a good reason for that: Psalm 23 is a powerful poem that speaks to our daily lives. It resonates with us and sticks in our minds. In the hustle and bustle - or more likely these days, in the slow, painful monotony of being inside - the words speak truth to our lives. I am leaning heavily into the beauty promised to us in the chapter.
God restores us.
God walks in dark places with us.
God protects us.
God comforts us.
God celebrates us.
God is always with us.
The Lord is our shepherd.
In the New Testament Gospel of John, Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd.
“I am the Good Shepherd.
I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me.
In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father.
I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary.”
(John 10:14-15 MSG)
Not only is the Lord our shepherd, as declared by King David in Psalm 23, but Jesus himself is the fulfillment of God as shepherd. Jesus is our shepherd. And not only is Jesus a shepherd, but he is “good.” The word “good” is important, because it reminds us that there is nothing bad about Jesus. We must trust in Jesus and in his promises. Jesus loves us. Jesus wants what is best for us. Jesus knows us, and we know him. Jesus gave his life for us. Jesus is walking beside us as we seek to do his will and fulfill all of his truths in our lives.
Today I invite you to lean into the truth of Jesus as our shepherd. I invite you to do that with Psalm 23. I have included the words below and encourage you to recite them slowly to yourself. Say them aloud and pause between phrases. I have chosen to use “The Message” version, a paraphrase by theologian Eugene Peterson. The words might be unfamiliar but I hope that will help you to pay attention. Really listen to your voice as you read and see what feelings stir inside of you. Most of all, rest in the good promises laid out for us and know that you are a beloved sheep cared for by the Good Shepherd.
Psalm 23
God, my shepherd!
I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
Photo by Sam Carter on Unsplash