March 13, 2021 (Saturday)
This chapter of the Bible has been memorized by many of us, usually in the King James Version of the Scriptures.
Psalm 23
King James Version
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
HE IS OUR FAITHFUL SHEPHERD
This Psalm holds a precious message for everyone: “The Lord is my shepherd.” A shepherd loves his sheep and takes good care of his sheep. He knows them by name and each one is important to him. The Lord Himself is our good shepherd, and he cares about us.
HE IS OUR CONSTANT GUIDE
The Psalm also presents God as our guide, taking us by the hand and leading us through the dark valleys of life. He leads us into righteousness. His presence causes us to feel safe in his care.
HE IS OUR GRACIOUS PROTECTOR
The poem closes with the picture of a generous, gracious host who provides a sumptuous feast for us in the very presence of our enemies, and an affirmation that the psalmist will have a long life, lived out in the presence of God.
If David could experience God’s comfort, how much more should you and I, because when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, He promised comfort for each and every one of us. “O spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found, Wherever human hearts and human woes abound; Let ev’ry Christian tongue proclaim the joyful sound: The Comforter has come!”
Thousands of people have committed this psalm to memory. Whenever I have asked a congregation to recite it with me, most people are able to do so. It is a very precious part of God’s Holy Word.
Lyrics from Psalm 23, Music by John Campbell (1854)