Psalm 23 (NRSV)
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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
When all the lights go out, it is very dark. When things go wrong, it is very upsetting. When the powers of evil are on the march, things become very grim. But even in the valley of the shadow of death, it is said, we shall fear no evil, for the shepherd God is with us. Living in that confidence, our lives can be shaped by faith, not fear. If the Lord is the shepherd, we shall not want.
Prayer
Come, Lord, our Savior, show us now your lovely face; let your Holy Spirit guide our journey in your grace. We praise your holy name. Amen.