Psalm 23: Readings and Reflections
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Looking Back . . .
The psalmist uses the image of a shepherd to describe God’s place in our lives. What does the shepherd image suggest to you?
Can you recall times when God led you to rich green (spiritual) pastures or to quiet waters?
Have you felt that your soul needs to be restored?
When have you experienced God’s guiding presence?
Note the reason for Gods guiding presence—for his name’s sake. What does this tell you?
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Looking at Today . . .
We live in a world permeated with the effects of sin, evil, and death.
As you look around—and at your life—where is God in the picture? Is he near enough to draw you close with his rod and staff? What do the rod and staff represent to you?
Are you feeding on the nourishment God provides at his table—even in the midst of adversaries? Who are these enemies?
What part does our church play in providing nourishment at God’s table?
What does it mean to you that God anoints your head with oil?
What does it mean that your cup overflows?
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Looking Ahead . . .
The psalmist looks to the path before him—and to his eternal dwelling place. His focus is not on the difficulties and evils of this world, but on God’s goodness and love. There is a security and peace that flows from these words. Is this how you feel as you look ahead? Why or why not?
How is your life today preparing you for eternity with God?
At what times in your day or week do you experience the goodness and the love of God’s presence with you?
How do we as God’s people travel this path together?
