Psalm 23 [King James Version]
1 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.
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. [emphasis added]
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. [emphasis added]
As children most of us have learned the 23rd Psalm by heart in the King James Version. I am glad to know it and to be able to understand it from my heart. I love the special meaning that the KJV gives. But just for a moment take a look at the Message (a paraphrase) and see how it plays out in our lives daily. Cling to this scripture. God put it in our hearts for a reason.
Psalm 23 [The Message]
A David Psalm
A David Psalm
1-3 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. [emphasis added]
May you know today - the LOVE of a pursuing God who chases and follows you with His Love, Goodness and Mercy every day of your life. Never forget it! Circumstances don't change it. Taste it - know it - be revived by it!
Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
[30-Days of Faith Tested]
2 comments:
unfortunately, i did not understand psalm23 until my late 30's. I read the book a few years back and was surprised how each line had a long meaning. I am glad you summerized the who thing again in layman's terms. I would like to copy word for word of your version next to the origional in my bible (is that ok?). thank you, stephanie
There's a great little book by Max Ludado called: SAFE in the SHEPHERD'S ARMS - based on Psalm 23. It was one I used to pray through each night with my husband before he went to heaven. The book breaks down each verse into a chapter and explains all the meaning behind it. We used to read just one chapter a night (short) and pray over it. What a blessing -
as God prepared Bob to meet His Shepherd face to face! After he was gone - I read it again - one chapter a night - and it really brought healing for my grief and sorrow. I'll loan you my copy if you'd like.
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