A Fresh Look at Psalm 23
A Fresh Look at Psalm 23
There are certain passages from the Bible that have become to familiar to me. I don’t mean that to say that I’ve read or heard them too much, but that I’ve read or heard them so many times that my ears and mind have grown lazy toward them, and my heart, insensitive.
A few months back, I was reading through Psalm 23, and realized that that chapter was one that had almost lost all meaning for me — or I should say, the meaning or application had become lost on me. I’d allowed it become one of those Psalms that’s just read (or quoted) in hard times or at funerals.
I memorized Psalm 23 as a child.
I’ve heard numerous sermons preached about Psalm 23, over the years.
I’ve read entire books focused on just that one chapter.
Despite knowing Psalm 23 “by heart,” somehow, I found myself able to read through it and feel nothing in response, having no new (or even old) thoughts about what I was reading whatsoever.
So I decided to spend spend some quality time in Psalm 23, doing more than just reading it or reciting it. I was going to meditate on it.
I was going to take my time, prayerfully thinking about the words and their meanings — both what David meant when he wrote them, but even moreso, how those words can apply to us (and me personally) today when considered in context with the rest of the Bible and with Jesus’ proclamation that He is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18).
I went back — slowly — through Psalm 23, line by line, forcing myself to think about and re-express each verse in my own words, to ensure that I was really grasping what I was reading.
The whole of this exercise probably took me an hour or two, but I walked away from it seeing Psalm 23 through fresh eyes, and realizing just how meaningful and applicable this chapter still is for those of us who know the Good Shepherd. (And if you don’t know the Good Shepherd for yourself, here’s some Good News just for you.)
Below is the outcome, with the lines from Psalm 23 (CSB) in italics, and my paraphrases of those lines in bold.
My prayer is that it stirs something within you as well, as you read on — that you’ll walk away with a fresh love and excitement for what may be a very familiar chapter from a very old, still very much alive and active Book (Hebrews 4:12).
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; - Ps. 23:1a
Jesus is my leader and caretaker.
I have what I need. - Ps. 23:1b
If I find myself “in need,” I need only to look to Him and receive what He is offering to me.
He lets me lie down in green pastures; - Ps. 23:2a
He allows me to rest and spend time in places where I can be nourished.
he leads me beside quiet waters. - Ps. 23:2b
He shows me the way to places I could not figure out how to get to alone — places where my deepest longings can be met, where my mind can be at ease, and where my parched soul can find relief.
He renews my life; - Ps. 23:3a
He provides me with exactly what I need to keep going.
he leads me along the right paths (or me in paths of righteousness) for his name’s sake. - Ps. 23:3b
He wants me to have faith to follow Him and do as He says, trusting that He’ll never mislead me, because He is faithful and trustworthy (Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Timothy 2:13).
Even when I go through the darkest valley (or the valley of the shadow of death), I fear no danger, for you are with me; - Ps. 23:4a
When You lead me into places or situations that seem precarious, as long as You’re with me, I have nothing to fear (Joshua 1:9; Psalm 27:1).
And even when I wander off into the places I was never supposed to go, still, I don’t have to be overcome by fear. I’m not lost forever. All I have to do is turn around, and I’ll find that You’re right there behind me, beckoning me again to come and follow You (Psalm 139:7-10; Matthew 18:12-14).
your rod and your staff—they comfort me. - Ps. 23:4b
I find comfort in knowing that You are ever at the ready to fend off my enemies, and even to protect me from my own self (my foolishness, how easily I’m distracted, my stubbornness, my pride, my rebelliousness, etc.).
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; - Ps. 23:5a
You don’t have to choose between caring for me or waging war against the devil. You can do both at once. What the devil means for evil, You purpose for my good, and the devil has to sit and watch as I partake of that goodness right in front of him, putting him to shame.
you anoint my head with oil; - Ps. 23:5b
Having sealed me with Your Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), You quiet the voices of shame and condemnation, and drive away my accuser (Romans 8:33-34).
my cup overflows. - Ps. 23:5c
You fill me with more of Yourself than I can hold, so that Your goodness overflows to those around me.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, - Ps. 23:6a
Whatever else (trials, temptations, persecution, tribulation, etc.) may find me in this lifetime, Your goodness and faithful love will never stop chasing me down (Romans 8:35-39).
and I will dwell in (or will return to) the house of the Lord as long as I live. - Ps. 23:6b
And one day, I will end up back where I belong, forever fully in the presence and company of my Good Shepherd, Jesus (John 14:1-3; Luke 23:42-43).
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