Psalm 23 is an iconic Psalm. So well-known and read or sung in church services, funerals and many other events around the world. It is, however, way too easy – because of its familiarity – to skim over the words and not really think too much about what we’re reading or singing.

Still, do you find though, that it never loses its wonderment?  

The meaning is so deep yet simple in theme; easy to understand and memorise.

Many a child in Sunday School will have learned it as a ‘memory verse’ which hasn’t been forgotten many years later.

The pictorial images are quite beautiful and many an artist has expressed their thoughts and impressions in colour and visual symbolism.

Psalm 23 (NLT)

A psalm of David.

¹ 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 honour to His name.
⁴ Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
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 honour 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.

Maybe you learnt this psalm as a child?

Maybe you have discovered it for the first time as you have now become a fully devoted follower of Christ?

Or, maybe it has brought you great comfort as you have navigated a very difficult season in your life.

Whatever the reason, may I encourage you to read, re-read and read it again until the truths and timeless promises sink deep into your soul?

To know that we are loved so deeply by the One who calls us by name, knows our innermost thoughts and forgives us time and again is incredibly reassuring and comforting.

It embraces us with love, undergirds our imaginations with amazing imagery and fills us with the truth about our Shepherd, King Jesus, who protects us and watches over us endlessly.

I don’t know about you, but breathing in this fabulous psalm fills me with warmth, permeates my whole being with contentedness and causes me, yet again, to stand in absolute awe at our magnificent God.

https://www.endlessgrace.com.au/egi-preview-shepherdme

Lesley Mathews
April 17, 2024