“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 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.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley,
I’m not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. Psalm 23 Message
God our eternal Shepherd,
It is good to read the most well know Psalm in different versions. Here one is a traditional translation and one a paraphrase. It stops us being too familiar even complacent thinking we know it and not letting You speak afresh to us through it. Even if I prefer one above the other it makes me consider what Your Word says and how it applies to my life. It makes me look at it again with fresh eyes.
This Psalm can become over familiar, often sung, being I think the most well known of all David’s Psalms by believers and those not sure. David could never have known how renowned his little verses would be. Written, many believe, at a very difficult time in his life when he was fleeing from his own son Absalom. He had family problems, was a refugee, had a loss of income and been rejected by all those who once supported him.
Life sometimes is not good. But . . . we can sit and dine on a rich banquet of Your love, Your provision and Your hope even when things look bleak or black. I love the thought that even when I am afraid or in flight mode Your love chases me to ensure I know I am loved and You are sticking with me. You are my Good Shepherd and the safest place to be is with You. I love You Lord.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 20th May 2025
When I first heard this worship I wondered over the words about God’s goodness running after me. Now I see that they beautifully echo David’s words in Psalm 23:6!
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
‘Cos and all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God (yeah)
Chorus
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after,
It’s running after me (oh)
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It keeps running after me
Chorus
I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing
Chorus
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Lyrics: Jason David Ingram, Brian Johnson, Edmond Martin Cash, Benjamin David Fielding, Jenn Johnson.