Psalm 23

Yes, this is the best-known passage of Scripture.  When I conduct a funeral for a family not familiar with the Bible, they always ask for “The Lord is my shepherd.”  Those of us who are so familiar with this Psalm we can recite it from the King James Version, sometimes need to look at this Psalm with different perspective.  Too often we assume that this Psalm is about going to heaven when I die.

Yes, we love the green pastures, the still waters, and dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.  Here David is not in a pie-in-the-sky by-and-by mindset, but he is recounting the security he feels as he is protected by God.  The dark valley, the desert journey, and being face to face with his enemies are times where David boldly claims the protection of God.  And by example, invites us all into that protection and comfort of my shepherd.

This is a Psalm of comfort.  It is not just for the time of death.  It is an assurance of the Lord’s comforting rod and staff, and the Lord’s lifting us above our enemies.  The comfort from this Psalm keeps us on the paths of righteousness that leads us to the House of the Lord.

Pastor Greg