Embracing the Familiar - Psalm 23
(1) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (2) He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, (3) He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
My first cup of coffee when I get up is part of my morning routine. I inhale the aroma as I hold the warm cup and sip the brown liquid slowly. Part of the ritual is taking my time to appreciate all the senses I use to drink my coffee. I consider Psalm 23 to be a similar experience; I want to savor the words and imagery using all my senses. These words are so familiar. Slowing down to inhale the beauty of each phrase allows us to experience the words in a deeper way.
(1) “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want.” My first thought is I belong to God. He is MY shepherd. A shepherd takes care of, protects, provides, guards, and guides. As my shepherd, God makes sure I have everything I need. Just like sheep I must follow and be led. My full dependence is on my Shepherd.
(2) “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.” This imagery evokes a sense of gently providing a place to rest and be present with the Shepherd. Green pastures and quiet waters allow space for us to calmly trust the Shepherd, knowing we are secure. Our good Shepherd tenderly takes care of all of our needs.
(3) He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Here we land as the result of being led and lying down in green pastures; we are refreshed, renewed, and restored. We can rest. Surrounded by the provisions from our Shepherd, we can recenter our scattered senses. God as our Shepherd will continue to guide us in the “paths of righteousness” in the future as we consider how He has already provided, protected, and brought us to a place to rest and be restored.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for being my Shepherd. Thank you for leading me, guiding me, protecting me, and providing for me. Help me grasp the reality of all You do to take care of me. Let me rest in You as You restore my soul. Thank You, in Your Mighty Name, Amen.
Here’s a link to a version of Psalm 23 in a song that I found a few years ago. It’s one of my favorites now.