Reading 46 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Wednesday, October 29, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Psalm 23

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 right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I 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 my whole life long.(NRSV)

Reflection

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” How many times have I heard the beginning of Psalm 23? It is, arguably, the best-known passage in the Bible. I memorized it as a child in Sunday School (King James Version), and our children memorized it when they were young (New Revised Standard Version). Psalm 23 occupies a central place in our worship life. Musical versions abound. It is part of our shared language of faith. When I received the request to write this devotion, I wondered what new I could say that hasn’t been said already.

And so I wondered, what makes it resonate with us so much? The language is simple, the imagery likewise. Sheep and shepherds, food and drink, pastures and a stream. And yet woven into those simple images is something that captures most of our moments of looking for or being in communion with God. Although the experiences come specifically from David’s own life as a shepherd, warrior, king, and poet, what they represent speaks universally to our own.

The opening line expresses gratitude and acknowledgement of God’s goodness. The psalmist shares the peace of having God at his side, leading him throughout his life’s journey, whether waking or sleeping. There is the comfort of God’s protection and abundance in the face of death or enemies or strife. And there is abundance beyond measure, in the cup that overflows and ultimately in the house of God.

The simplicity is part of its enduring appeal, as it offers us new ways to connect with both the psalm and with God each time we approach it. We can connect with a different part of it, whether we are reading it by ourselves, reciting it together with others in community, or hearing its echoes as we go about our daily lives. What is there new to say about Psalm 23? It tells us again and again.

Prayer

Holy God, giver of life and art, thank you for the gift of poetry, of love turned into words, of new ways to hear your love each day. Amen.

Written by Lisa Stracks, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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