"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not be in want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.  He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his name’s sake.  Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You spread a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup runs over.  Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23)

This is the Psalm for this coming Sunday.  It is probably the most well known and beloved Psalm.  Even people who do not attend worship probably know this Psalm from a Celebration of New Life service (funeral) they have attended.  We hear this Psalm often, but do we really hear it.  Read it again and this time read it very slowly; digesting every word and every image. 

<Pause to read Psalm 23 again>

What did you hear?  What did you notice? Here is what I notice:  There are a lot of phrases describing what our Good Shepherd will do…not what we need to do.  He makes us lie down (to rest our weary souls); He leads us; He revives our souls; He guides us.  Even though danger surrounds us we shall not fear (because our God kicks butt).  Our Shepherd feeds and nourishes us in the midst of those who would harm us.  But here is the best part…I/We shall dwell in God’s house forever.  Our place has been reserved through Jesus Christ.

Now…read the Psalm again.  This time I want you to see it.  Place yourself in the midst of these green pastures and see our God loving you.  If you can…close your eyes.

<Pause to read Psalm 23…again>

Now…what did you hear and see?  I saw a peaceful field of green grass and flowers.  I saw a gentle stream with fish jumping all around.  I saw mountains surrounding me.  I also saw dark clouds and danger surrounding me.  And just when I started getting a little nervous, my Shepherd put his arm around me and said, "Do not fear my child.  I am here."  Suddenly a sense of peace came over me.

It is amazing isn’t?  We can soon forget about our Shepherd in times of trouble, but our Shepherd is never far.  Actually He is right next to you.  Read this Psalm again and again.  Take comfort in the promises therein.  Hear the voice of the Lord.  Be joyful in the fact that we are part of God’s flock through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Praise be to God, our Shepherd…Amen! -EDH-