Psalm 23

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4

The Twenty-third Psalm is the most beloved psalm in the psaltery, and perhaps even the most familiar passage in all of Scripture. I think the reason this is that it speaks to the universal longing of comfort in the midst of our fears and in our grief. There is not one person in the world who has never or will never experience suffering and sorrow. The pastoral image of God as shepherd is also a ubiquitous one in which we are comforted in the assurance of a God who watches over us and protects us, as a shepherd would care for and defend his sheep.

Years ago we took a trip to England and Scotland. This is a land where sheep are plentiful. There were numerous occasions in which we saw shepherds at work, herding sheep across roads, streams, and up hills and down valleys. We noticed how completely dependent the sheep were of the shepherd. It is this image the psalmist wants us to envision, which translates into a God who goes to great lengths to care for and watch over us. And we are like sheep, who will stray and easily get into trouble. But God knows this, and will shadow our every move, because of God’s love for us.

Let us pray: Shepherd me, O Lord, beyond my fears and my grief, that I may know the joy of still waters and right pathways. Amen.