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Devotion on Psalm 23
04/29/2025
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Recently one of our members offered her thoughts reflected through the 23rd Psalm
With all the turmoil that has been happening around us, Psalm 23 has been in my mind lately, especially verse 4: “yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”. For me and probably for many people, it feels like we are living in a “valley of the shadow of death” moment.
Something from Sunday school tugged at my memory - I thought - David was in a real pickle when he wrote this - how could he be so hopeful? So I looked it up. Psalm 23 was written by King David after he fled Jerusalem because his son Absalom was gunning for him. It struck me that even though he was fleeing for his life, he wrote a psalm full of trust in God’s goodness. So the Psalm has been the basis of many conversations I’ve been having with myself. It goes a little like this:
| 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. | What about the price of eggs and the tariffs? Prices are going up, districts are going through budget cuts. But keep it in perspective, Amie - he didn’t say that you will have everything available on Amazon. Be thankful that you have enough. |
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake | Yep, my home and my Church are definitely green pastures beside still waters. Thank you, Lord, for giving me a “Puuhonua”, a sanctuary. |
| 4 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. | I’ve felt like sheep following the headlines lately. I need to trust that my shepherd is there to protect me. I’ve got to be honest - this sheet is spending some sleepless nights listening to the howling of wolves. |
| 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. | I’ve felt like sheep following the headlines lately. I need to trust that my shepherd is there to protect me. I’ve got to be honest - this sheet is spending some sleepless nights listening to the howling of wolves.. |
| 6 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. | Just hang on…surely things will be better. |
David wrote this while he was on the run, fearing for his life. I can do this…
Written by Amie Singh