March 13, 2024
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Psalms is the prayer book and song book of the Holy Bible. Many of us have learned to pray by reading these prayers prayed thousands of years ago by men and women going through trials, temptations and sufferings similar to those we experience today. The verses of the Psalms have echoed down the ages through church hymns and contemporary songs and have become an integral part of our spiritual journey.
One of my favorites is Psalm 23. I pray this prayer every morning, throughout the day, at bedtime and when I wake up in the middle of the night and need to get back to sleep.
Many of us are familiar with the version we hear and pray during funeral and memorial services:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
There are many Bible translations and interpretations and, over time, I have compiled the variations of Psalm 23 into what some call an amplified version. Some of the added words simply expand a particular thought; others impact meaning.
One example in particular is Psalm 23:6. Where most translations speak of God’s goodness and mercy following us, an alternative translation speaks of God’s goodness and mercy pursuing us relentlessly. I love that! God doesn’t just follow us around – He “pursues” us as we run from Him, rebel against Him, fail to hit the mark and fall short. He never ever gives up on us!
Psalm 23 presents the Lord God as a protective Shepherd and is a wonderful description of the relationship He wants with each of us. Here’s an amplified version:
“The Lord is my Shepherd;
[The Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd (John 11:10, NIV), and we are His flock]
I shall not want, I have everything I need.
[Our God is an abundant God]
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
[We can rest in the Lord’s constant presence]
He leads me beside quiet, still, peaceful streams of water.
[The Lord refreshes us]
He restores my soul and renews my strength;
[The Lord heals us]
He leads me in paths of righteousness
[The Lord guides us]
for His name's sake, bringing honor to Him.
[By following His straight paths, we glorify God]
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, even the valley of the shadow of death,
[The Lord walks with us]
I fear no evil, I will not be afraid;
[The Lord protects us]
for You are with me;
[The Lord is faithful and will never leave us]
Your rod and Your staff comfort and protect me.
[The Lord disciplines us for our own good and for the good of others]
You prepare a feast before me in the presence of my enemies;
[The Lord gives us hope]
You welcome me as Your honored guest and anoint my head with oil;
[The Lord dedicates us for His sacred purposes]
my cup overflows with Your blessings.
[The Lord provides for us abundantly]
Surely Your goodness, Your mercy and Your unfailing love shall pursue me all the days of my life;
[The Lord blesses us and keeps on coming]
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord …
[The Lord provides security]
… forever.”
[For all eternity!]
Praying Psalm 23 daily is a source of peace and joy in my life that only come from the Lord. I encourage you to embrace this practice. Try it. Pray it. Allow the timeless words of David to permeate your heart, mind and soul.
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, the Lord is our Shepherd!
QUESTION
Do you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Shepherd?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we are thankful that You are our Shepherd. Help us to hear Your voice and follow You when You call. Help us to know that we are safe in Your loving care. Give us Your peace and Your joy.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NRSV)
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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