Psalm 23 - The LORD the Shepherd of His People

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads 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 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 runs 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
Forever.


this was the main topic of bible study at NCC last wk. and strangely, sunday's topic was another psalm, psalms 46 (God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble) it brings to mind what valerie was asking me about psalms the other day. what exactly are psalms? are they hymns? heh. and i had no idea. i just know psalms to be part of a book in the bible.

according to mariam websters, it's 'a sacred song or poem used in worship; especially : one of the biblical hymns collected in the Book of Psalms'. oh well, i got the second part right.... i think. hahah.

but to me, recently, it seems that psalms actually serve to soothe the soul. been going through a rough patch recently. but there's something abt reading these psalms and imagining David on some mountain side probably experiencing the same emotions and yet being able to sing and praise the Lord. they are a balm to the afflicted soul...