Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
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.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
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.
These verses have long held a special place in my heart, not only because of their popularity and beauty, but because they became my personal mantra during times of heartache and despair. I have cried myself to sleep many nights while repeating those words. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul.
I am in repair; mind, body, and soul.
3 Comments
With sincerest respect for this Psalm, Amen.
It says so many things in so few words. I needed to read this today. (HUGS)
How timely, Brian. This was my father’s favorite prayer.
My mother made me memorize this Psalm when I was a little girl and it was tortuous. I always got confused in the middle, started blending it with other prayers, skipped whole sentences etc. Then one day I realized I had not only memorized it, but it was the prayer I fell back on again and again, automatically diving into it without hesitation. It’s funny that something I struggled with as a child would be the silent mantra playing in my head for my entire adult life. I’m sure anyone who knows this Psalm had a similar experience with it; it’s not easy to learn, but then you’re so glad you did!