GOD, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.
(Psalm 23 in The Message Bible)
Don't you think this is a beautiful Psalm? I love the peace I get from the images in the words. And the way I am moved towards trust as I meditate on the words.
I also love the way Eugene Peterson presents it in The Message Bible. The Old King James translation is just over my head, even in simple language like this Psalm. The Message uses the English with which I am familiar. As a result, the words touch my heart without getting jumbled up in my head as I struggle to understand it.
Can I encourage you to read this Psalm slowly and silently treasure the words. The promise of God as your shepherd is beautiful. Embrace it!
