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
This very familiar Psalm is often spoken at funerals or written in "in memoriam" cards. I requested this Psalm at the funeral of my 15-month-old son and 5 years later at the funeral of my husband. For many years I could not hear the Psalm without feeling the deep grief that I had associated with it. But as time has softened the grief I have been able to hear the Psalm as a wonderfully peaceful, joyful reminder of the constant presence of God in my life. Some who know my experience wonder how I can truly recite, "surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Yet, even in my deepest grief I knew deep down that God’s grace and love was abundant in my life.
Prayer
Gentle Shepherd, give us the grace to trust you with all the experiences of our lives. Help us lean into your presence when difficulties come our way. Amen.