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Mom and I were sitting at the kitchen table that spring morning. I asked her, what is your favorite scripture? She knew right away; it was Psalm 23. But then she apologized feeling like many would call the Twenty-third Psalm their favorite. Was it just because it was so well-known that she claimed it?
I understand her thinking. And I also understand her choice. This spring Psalm 23 has been my favorite scripture too. 
I’ve been reading Leslie Leyland Fields recent book, Nearing a Far God. And her chapter on Psalm 23 has been the need of the hour.
Advertisement: BUY THIS BOOK! It might just be the need of the hour for you as you read, underline, and think what God is saying to you through the Psalms Leslie highlights. It is available through Navpress, Amazon, or in your favorite bookstore.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3
In these opening verses I’m meeting a shepherd, a protector who knows my greatest need. I’m meeting God through the metaphor of a shepherd. Leslie reminds in her book (page 94) that metaphors do not re-write scripture, nor do they re-name God. Metaphors provide language and pictures to connect us to God.
The first line communicates the thesis of the Psalm to me.
The last line reminds me that this picture is for God’s glory, “for his name’s sake”.
The personal pronouns, my and me, are used no less than 5 times in 3 verses. David’s words are also for me. I’m an image bearer.
The New Living Translation communicates verse 1 this way, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” It causes me to ask, Am I recognizing God as my provider … TODAY?
What do my green pastures, my still waters, and His restoring my soul look like for me at this juncture? As I’ve pondered this question, three answers are surfacing: taking our dog for a walk in the woods; having time to read in the evenings; and enjoying times in the morning being with God in the quietness of place, with coffee, meditating on His Word, reviewing my identity and my purpose.
I discovered a new path.
“He leads me in paths of righteousness”. That can speak to the big picture. There is a right path for who God created me to be as a woman, as a writer, as a wife, mother, and grandmother, as a child of God. But what about TODAY? There is a right path for me today. So I ask, what is today’s right path?
“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 yous staff,
they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4
There is so much in that one verse!
Even though – I’m living in this current circumstance; the storms can be pretty stormy.
I will fear no evil – I am not afraid because …
You, God, are with me. Your presence is real. God is aware. My firey furnace is no more firey than what Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego experienced. Daniel 3:16 and 17.
Your rod and your staff – God is a protector. He knows how to wield the shield and keep the arrows at bay. You have the necessary tools and weapons. From my study, I understand the rod is a symbol of God’s strength and used to fight off the wild animals. His staff is a symbol of guidance and his loving-kindness used to hook around a wandering sheep. Sometimes God uses my husband as a staff; sometimes my community; always his Word.
Oh what comfort is communicated in verse 4.
“You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;”
Psalm 23:5a
When I think of God’s table, a picture of our Thanksgiving table surfaces. It is ladled abundantly, with far more than I actually need. The serving bowls overflow; the aroma draws me in; the taste stays with me for days — even through the left-overs; family and friends enjoy the feast with me.
But today isn’t Thanksgiving. What does God’s table look like for me today? It’s a table of provision; it’s a table representing my needs and providing for them. That’s why I pray with thankfulness before eating.
That table is prepared not only in the safety of home, but in the presence of my enemies. Who are my enemies? I’ve discovered that comparison is an enemy. I’m still susceptible. People-pleasing is an enemy. That shows itself regularly as I ponder invitations. Sometimes even my own desires can be an enemy. “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James 1:14. And the snare of the fowler (Psalm 91:3) refers to hidden traps. I need to be conscious of what I’m not aware of!
“you anoint my head with oil:
my cup overflows.”
Psalm 23:5b
This signifies for me the purpose and affirmation of God. I’m set apart. Colossians 1:25 is a scripture promise God has given me. I (like all God’s children) am a sent one. John 20:21, “As the Father has sent me, even so I’m sending you.” My cup is full and overflowing with good things because God is showing me his path for me that he intends to pour out for others.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,”
Psalm 23:6a
Surely — there is no room for doubt; absolutely! Zechariah 9:17 speaks of God’s GREAT goodness! Mercy is a gift, not based on behavior. Titus 3:4 and 5 bring both attributes together in one reality. The Message rendition of this verse reads, Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. God, I want to be caught!
“and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.”
Psalm 23:6b
What wonderful assurance!
My NLT Bible is a coloring Bible
Copyright: Sue Tell, May 2024
LOVE this, Sue! I memorized the 23 Psalm as a child in Sunday School. A LONG time ago!! I can still quote it from memory and so thankful our SS teacher made us memorize it. Your comments made it feel so personal and encouraging. I often wonder why they always use this at funerals. Perhaps for the living rather than the dead. Yet, if you don’t understand it , seems it could be quite depressing. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and application ideas! Very, very helpful. ❤️
Hi Julia,
Yes, many have it memorized. I do too. But you know, one thing I’m learning, is the more familiar the scripture, the more deeply it ministers.
My friend called it, BGO, a Blinding Glimpse of the Obvious. Familiar isn’t always obvious; sometimes were blind. So I’m finding it good to spend time pondering the familiar.
Love you my friend, sue
Good Mofrning Dear Sue,
Your thoughts on Psalm 23 were a wonderful compantion for me this morning. Like many others it is my favorite and I have recited it many times to myself. No many how often I repeat it there is always something there for me. Thank you for your reminder of the riches it contains!
Blessings and Love,
Carolyn
I agree, just as God’s mercies are new every morning, His riches from Psalm 23 are new with each of our new!
So thankful for your friendship,, Carolyn!!
FMA,
Sue
Psalm 23 was my bedrock the last couple of years. I’m so thankful I have it memorized as well. Such a good one to meditate on and your thoughts here are so good! Thank you.
Hi Sara,
It’s funny you use the word bedrock. After Mom died two of my friends had a stone engraved for me with Psalm 23:1 in the NLT. It stands on our fireplace hearth where I see it everyday. While sitting in our living room looking at it, I often pray, “God what are the needs you want me to trust you with today?” It’s become bedrock for me too.
FMA, sue