Daily Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will 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 your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com
Reflection Questions:
This beloved psalm never looks at what anyone else has. It rejoices in the abundance that comes from God’s presence with the psalmist – a reality each of us can experience. Envy, said Aquinas, grieves when something good happens to our neighbor. H. L. Mencken said that in America, “contentment is making $10 a month more than your brother-in-law”!
- Verse 1 is traditionally translated “I shall not want.” Modern versions say, “I have all I need,” or “I lack nothing.” Since this psalm seems to reflect David’s days as a shepherd, rather than as King of Israel, how do you believe it defines “need”? How often can you honestly say you feel that you have all you need?
- Reread verses 4-6. After each phrase, ask yourself, “Is this true of me?” Consider how important of each of these things is, compared to the items at the top of your current personal “wish list.” Thank God for each phrase you have internalized, that you can honestly say you believe.
Read Pastor Penny Ellwood’s insights on today’s scripture at gpsinsights.wordpress.com
Weekly Prayer:
O God, thank you for valuing me, even when I struggle to value myself. Help me to love myself as you have loved me. Give me contentment in being the person you’ve made me to be, and in serving you and others the ways I am gifted to do. Then, help me to love my neighbor as I love myself. I thank you that your ways are so much higher and greater than mine. Amen.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAY’S NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 2001, 2005 by International Bible Society®. Used by permission of International Bible Society®. All rights reserved worldwide.
