Today’s Reading: Psalm 23-25; Acts 21-40
Psalms 23 is one of those super famous passages in the Bible; so famous that it is almost cliché. When I was growing up it was more of an afterthought than anything else. It was one of those passages that kids had to memorize in sunday school, but in all of those years I never really thought about what it said.
Now when I read it I am blown away. As someone who likes to think he is a half way decent, beginner writer, I am totally humbled by it. I mean good gracious, whether you believe in this book or not you have to admit that this is some incredible writing.
I really don’t have anything to say about this Psalm. Well I do, but I’d rather hear your thoughts. What are your impressions? What does this passage say to you? Has the message changed over the years?
I think if you take the time to really sit and read this short, but complete, work of art you will find that it says way more than you thought it did at first glance.
Enjoy.
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
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,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 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.
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.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
i do think it's beautiful. growing up in the south, even though i'm buddhist, this was everywhere all of the time. not until now have i understood it's meaning, at least to me... to me it's recognition of a power and energy that is flowing through oneself and encompasses everything our eyes my fall upon or hand may touch and beyond.
ReplyDeleteit's appreciating the quiet that yields clarity of our path when we can hear our spirit being spoken to and guided. it's understanding that as long as i follow that path and do not deviate i need not fear anything outside of myself as i will always be provided for, safe and loved. not to mention sharing one's faith even before those who have none will not harm the faithful no matter what happens but in some way will inspire (in the truest sense of the word) those who have yet to discover theirs.
thank you for sharing ;)
My brotha, there is just something about just reading that Psalms 23.That first line is so hard! It's such a concise statement that communicates to me that whatever is going on in my life, I'll be alright. By the time you read to the book of Psalms, exactly who the 'Lord' is has been explained in so many ways- Our provider, redeemer, counselor, protector... and so on. And then, even the word "My" is just so personal. It conveys a personal relationship that is unique to that of anyone else in the world. Followed by "Sheperd", that metaphor alone is so rich and can be broken down in so many ways. It doesn't just represent Him as a guardian, but for us as his sheep. Sheep, even mixed in with other flocks, always recognize the voice of their particular Sheperd.
ReplyDeleteI love Psalms 23. So much heat!
I too heard this scripture alot in Church and growing up. I did not truly understand or value it until, I was going through a really tough situation a few months ago, and it seemed like God was leading me to this scripture. I read it and was floored by how amazing it is to know that no matter what you are going through (the valley of death) you don't have to fear, but God who is Lord knows all, controls all and is all, - will be right there beside you leading you through the tough times, to get back to those greener pastures. Definitely became one of my favorites.
ReplyDelete