The Blessings of Psalm 23

Psalm 23 was part of the lectionary readings for today. It is a very popular and much beloved psalm. When I read and pray it, here is what it means to me:

If we choose the Lord as Our Shepherd (instead of some other false god like greed, power, money, envy, or pride), then the things we really need as a spiritual child of God will be ours in abundance. It is only when we attach ourselves to worldly things that we begin to feel scarcity and depravation. Choosing the Lord is to abandon the false self, and free the imprisoned heart. This will allow our true selves, our souls, to shine through.

The peace that comes to us with this choice will feel like we are relaxing in a beautiful green pasture, near some quiet water, where our souls can be replenished and re-energized. We will then be guided through the day’s activities by the will of God, and our lives will take on a new purpose – a new direction with new meaning. So, even though we are indeed mortal and must face physical death at some point, we come to have little fear, especially of anything evil, because not only is God with us, so are His rod and staff – Christ and the Holy Spirit.

The true enemies that we have – attachments, judgments, biases, fears, prejudices – can all sit and watch while God lavishes His love and compassion on us. They can not stop Him because nothing can – our cup overflows indeed. His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life (which, by the way, extends WAY past living in this physical form). We dwell in the House of the Lord when we choose Him – and elect to shed our worldly, false self.

Jesus adds in Matthew, “Many are called, but few choose Him.” How odd!

Please reflect further on Psalm 23 this week. Let me know if something about it touches you.

Blessings to all!