Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd.
    I lack nothing.
² He lets me rest in grassy meadows;
    he leads me to restful waters;
³         he keeps me alive.
He guides me in proper paths
    for the sake of his good name.

⁴ Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
    I fear no danger because you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—
    they protect me.

⁵ You set a table for me
    right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
    my cup is so full it spills over!
⁶ Yes, goodness and faithful love
    will pursue me all the days of my life,
    and I will live in the Lord’s house
    as long as I live.

Key Verse:

He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters. —Psalm 23:2

Commentary:

There is a reason this psalm has stood the test of time, remaining a favorite for generation after generation. It is full of relatable metaphors. Specifically, it shows us grassy meadows and restful waters and proper paths for the good and peaceful times. It also promises us protection throughout the darkest valleys. Even though the landscapes vary throughout the world, we all understand those messages loud and clear. A grassy meadow in Israel looks a lot different from a grassy meadow in Montana, but they both offer the comfort intended. Nature is a place of power and uncertainty, but it is also a place of peace. Spiritual comfort comes from knowing that our God is big enough to have created all outdoor masterpieces and yet personal enough to be present with each of us every day.

Questions to think about:

What is your favorite type of landscape?

How do you feel when you are in its midst?

How does nature bring you peace?