Psalm 23

Reflection Written by Dave Walker

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3     he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
    I 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.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.

Of all the numerous festivals in the Christian calendar there are two which are known and universally celebrated more than any of the others. These are, of course, Christmas and Easter, which one might say are the festivals that flank our Faith. The first is a celebration and joy that the birth of a child brings, whilst Easter is the celebration of that life as it is called back to God’s Kingdom. Easter is a celebration not only of Christ’s death but His rebirth, His renaissance, His Resurrection.

Along with the universally accepted festivals above, I think there are two universally known biblical texts; even to those who are not regular church attendees.

These texts are namely, the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd.

Today, and at first glance it would be understandable to see Psalm 23 as being God’s answer to the protection and sustenance sought when saying the Lord’s Prayer. However, there exists at least a millennium between David writing Psalm 23 and Christ teaching His people the Lord’s Prayer. Psalm 23 tell us the Lord is an all-encompassing comforter and provider for all our needs. I think the first line is so fulfilling: I shall not want.

Isn’t this what we ask nowadays, to be forgiven and fulfilled in equal measure with the Lord’s blessing?

In our prayers, today, we ask for guidance away from wrong-doing and to feel safe in God’s love. Psalm 23 verse 3 offers the same guidance and love:

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me. Your rod and staff, comfort me.

The terminology is so evocative and just as relevant today: we are not alone, God is with us.

As we dedicate our life and faith to God’s love when we pray His Prayer so David, the erstwhile shepherd boy, knew over three thousand years ago that God was there for him, also.

In these tumultuous times of wars, economic strife and life-limiting diseases, Psalm 23 introduces us to respite and tranquillity away from the busyness of our lives. Even when life is at its lowest ebb and we are consumed by fear Psalm 23 is there for us; offering recuperative support to both body and mind and opening up the right path to follow.

If for me the Lord’s Prayer is my armour, then Psalm 23 is my crutch; they both give me joy and hope and faith. And as David wrote: I shall not want!

Easter blessings to you.