Thoughts on the 23rd Psalm........

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even 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.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Nothing particularly deep and intense today. It's just that it has always bugged me that this beautiful psalm is the one we most always associate with funerals and gravesite ceremonies. Not that I have a problem with it being used as a benediction, but it's become kinda expected, like passing gravy along with the mashed potatoes. But this is truly a Psalm for the living, not the dead, regardless of which side of the veil they exist.

Doubtless there are other interpetations of the 23rd out there, but here's mine.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Jesus, The Good Shepherd, is my leader, protector, and provider.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
I can rest peacefully knowing He's keeping watch.

He leads me beside still waters.
He will never leave me thirsty.

He restores my soul.
He heals my spirit.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
He's invested Himself in me.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
He is with me in the heat of battle, whether in a bunker in Iraq or the darkest recesses of my heart and mind.

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
His discipline and guidance are always for my good.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
Even if the enemy's at the door, I can refresh myself at his table in perfect peace and safety.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
His blessings are beyond earthy measure.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
No matter how I screw up, He loves me, wants the best for me, and will take me in.

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
When I'm done here, I have a home in the New Jerusalem.

Amen..........

With thanks to Kansas Bob for the inspiration. :)