The Lord is My Shepherd - Guest Blog by King David

I recently read a very familiar passage; the 23rd Psalm. For understandable reasons, this time it spoke to me at a deeper level. Read it slowly and let it instruct you in truth and comfort you deep in your spirit.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

(Psalm 23:1‭-‬6 ESV)

Read this again in the New Living Translation. So often, familiar words of scripture fail to impress us as they ought. Reading in more than one translation often opens our eyes to the deeper, fuller meaning.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

(Psalms 23:1‭-‬6 NLT)