Psalm 23 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Verse 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
Verse 3he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
Verse 4Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff- they comfort me.
Verse 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Verse 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
Devotion
Martha, a member of a congregation I served, was the “keeper of the 23rd Psalm.” She had read books and studied its nuances. I think she knew everything there was to know about this beloved text. Once, while teaching a Psalms class, I asked Martha if she would lead when we came to the 23rd Psalm. She declined. But when we came to it, guess who was lending insight to the discussion?
The 23rd Psalm was a lifelong companion for Martha. She took it with her in her various travels. It was a source of joy in life’s pastures of plenty. It was comfort in life’s dark valleys. Any newcomer or anyone in a time of trial in our midst was bound to receive a pamphlet on it from Martha. This psalm was a living word for Martha. It spoke to her of a God who cared deeply for her and all creation.
Prayer
Almighty God, you are the watchful shepherd of all creation. You call us and feed us through your Word. Thank you for a lifetime of providence and a sense of your guiding hand. Amen.