This is one of the most read and remembered scriptures in all of the bible, and in it David shares the amazing ways God takes care of him. Here’s the psalm in its entirety: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything 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 dark valley of death, 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 welcome me as a guest, 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. (Psalm 23 NLT)
This psalm is just not the same in any other version than the King James Version; so here’s the KJV:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Wow…if you are a part of God’s family, God is saying, through David, that He is going to take care of you and guide you to maintain his reputation…because in the end, we represent God and we are a reflection of Him. It’s like a parent teaching a child to do right because that child represents the parent, and that parent doesn’t want his/her name shamed in any way. Lord, you are amazing!)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Wow! David keeps telling us how the Lord is with us. In Psalm 16:8, he said, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” Lord, thank you for confirming your presence with us! You are our rock!)
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23 KJV) (Wow…take this in! While our enemies are moving against us, trying to steal, kill, and destroy us…God is preparing a table to bless us! Whoa…that’s what I’m talking about!)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for confirming the many ways you bless us and take care of us. Help us memorize this awesome scripture and draw on it when we are low in spirit. Lord, you are so good to us and we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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