I stand looking out my kitchen window and realize that, as February winds down and I am become even more weary of winter in general, my thoughts are turning to comfort food. Home made macaroni and cheese, hearty vegetable stew with dumplings, bread pudding – the food of my childhood – a time when I felt protected, secure and loved.
This week, thoughts of comfort and well being brought to mind the 23rd Psalm.
Psalm 23 is one of the most popular and beloved psalms in the Bible. We often hear it recited at church, but it is also one of the most requested readings at funerals.
Psalm 23, believed to be written by King David, is more than just a beautiful piece of poetry. Before David became king of Israel, he was a shepherd. He took care of and protected flocks of sheep, and he wrote this psalm describing God as a shepherd and God’s people as God’s flock. Through this beautiful metaphor, we are given invaluable insight into the character of God.
Like all psalms, Psalm 23 was used in worship by the ancient Hebrews. The writer describes God as his shepherd, in the role of protector and provider. The psalm is read, recited and sung by Jews and Christians alike and has been called the best-known of the psalms for its universal theme of trust in God.
For me, its most poignant reading comes from the King James version:
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.
This week, our theme for worship at both the Champlain and the Floralies was the 23rd Psalm. After worship, we ended with a benediction which I would now like to share with you.
May you always know that you are in the fold of the Good Shepherd.
May you lie down in the green pastures of restfulness.
May you drink deeply from the still waters of peace and love.
May you dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.
In peace,
Beryl