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
It's safe to say that this is one of the most beloved passages of scripture. It's read beside hospital beds, in hospice rooms, and at funerals. All it takes is hearing that first verse, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," and one feels a deep sense of belonging, comfort, and peace. The psalm ends with a similar promise of belonging: "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long." But between those opening and closing verses, there is movement. Belonging to the shepherd doesn't mean standing still, then or now. As disciples of Jesus, we are sheep on the move. We follow our shepherd as he guides us by green pastures, leads us in right paths, and accompanies us through dark valleys. God has freely given us his goodness and mercy in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Following our shepherd, we have overflowing goodness and mercy to share.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, trusting that we belong to you, we have nothing to fear. Teach us to follow you with our whole hearts. Guide us to share your love with others and to invite them into your flock. Amen.