A Closer Look at Psalm 23
A Reflection on Psalm 23.A Closer Look at Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd
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Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known psalms. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…” It is all about how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, takes loving care of us.
One of the beautiful things about the psalm is that King David describes in detail how the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep-the specific actions He does to take care of them. Why? It shows the great love and care the Shepherd has for His sheep; it is an analogy comparing the great love and care Jesus has for each of us.
A Shepard Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller is a great commentary that dives into the meaning of the Psalm from the perspective of how a shepherd takes care of his sheep. It is a very insightful book to read.
In this post, I have the text of Psalm 23 by itself first. Then the Psalm is repeated but with my commentary in capital letters.
The method I am illustrating here (of reflecting on the Bible passages)has been a helpful way for me to reflect on the Bible readings. I explain this method in more detail in the post: A Bible Reading Plan for Beginners: 3 Different Ways You Can Read the Bible in Just 15 Minutes a Day.
Psalm 23: The Lord, Sheperd and Host
A psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff that give me courage.
You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come.
This is such a beautiful Psalm!!
Here is the Psalm with my reflection:
Psalm 23: The Lord, Sheperd and Host
A psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
ENOUGH SAID!
***BUT, DO I REALIZE THIS? DO I REALLY NOT WANT FOR ANYTHING IN MY LIFE OR DO I STILL WANT AND NOT ACCEPT/EMBRACE THAT GOD IS EVERYTHING I NEED?
I DO NOT. HUM…TIME TO CHANGE THAT!
TO DO. ⬆️
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
❤️
BEAUTIFUL QUOTE: “HE REFRESHES MY SOUL.”
REMEMBER THIS ALWAYS.
He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side
I CAN SEE THESE BEING SUSANA’S SENTIMENTS. (SEE DANIEL CHAPTER 13 FOR HER STORY.)
With your rod and your staff that give me courage.
THIS (NO FEAR IN THE DARK) BECAUSE OF THAT (GOD IS AT MY SIDE AND GIVES ME COURAGE).
NOW GOD IS WITH ME. BE COURAGEOUS BECAUSE OF THAT.
You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
“MY CUP OVERFLOWS” BECAUSE GOD OVERFLOWS IT WITH ONLY GOOD THINGS. ❤️
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
❤️ ⬆️ REMEMBER THIS! LIVE THIS WITH FAITH AND CONFIDENCE: “ONLY GOODNESS AND KINDNESS FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.”
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come.
AMEN.
THIS IS A GREAT PASSAGE TO MEMORIZE AND REPEAT EVERY DAY AND WHEN I FACE DIFFICULTIES. ❤️
THIS SOUNDS LIKE A PROMISE AND A PLAN.
Take the time to read Palm 23 slowly and carefully, savoring each passage. Ask God to help you understand His love for you even more as you contemplate His words.
If you want a resource to help you ive into this beautiful Psalm even more deeply, A Shepard Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller is a great commentary that dives into the meaning of the Psalm from the perspective of how a shepherd takes care of his sheep.
If you are searching to find a way to start reading the Bible, see Creating A Simple Bible Reading Plan for some ideas.
You can find some great resources recommended for growing in prayer here: Good Catholic Books to Read: Improve Your Prayer Life
The new wording of the 23 psalm is dreadful. Would never use it!
It is interesting how the wording in the Bible is different depending on the translation.