Psalm 23 NLT
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Most of you know this psalm very well. Probably many of you have been able to recite it since you were children. It is so familiar, it’s almost invisible. I have sent you this version from the New Living Translation to shake up your thoughts about this psalm and to perhaps highlight something in it you have not seen before. Also notice how each verse holds a thought. You may even want to meditate on one verse per day for the next six days. I believe you will find new life in this old, familiar psalm.
David wrote this and being a shepherd himself, he understood the role of the shepherd. Therefore, he knew that the Lord’s job was to supply every need. Because we have the good shepherd looking after us, we should have a mindset like David’s, that is that God provides for all our needs. When you believe, you also receive.
There is rest and peace for us because of our shepherd. He takes the cares and worries off our shoulders, at least when we give them to him, so that we can lie in green pastures and beside tranquil streams and daydream. That’s our job. His is the worries, ours is the quiet, calm meditation.
I hope you enjoy this version of the twenty-third psalm. Post your comments telling us what your insight is today or your favorite part. Be blessed!
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