The other day, Madelyn shared a fascinating, poignant observation with Jessica and me about the famous 23rd psalm. Regardless of one’s religious orientation, most people are familiar with at least parts of Psalm 23. It gets quoted at funerals, printed on pictures, and has generally worked its way into the consciousness of our society. And rightly so, since the beloved words brilliantly describe the human experience with its rest, beauty, trauma, and recovery. It is hopeful, poetic, and stunning.
But it doesn’t work without God.
Madelyn read the psalm to us (it is listed in entirety at the end of this post), and then she read it with God removed from the text. When God is taken out of the psalm it reads sort of like this: “I want/I lack…me…me…my…me…I walk through the darkest valley, I fear evil…me…me…me.”
I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but that stark contrast has been true in my life. Life apart from God has been a vain experience centered on self. Life with God has been glorious. Not easy, not free from dark valleys, evil, or meals eaten in the presence of enemies, but beautifully alive, and filled with purpose, healing, and joy.
I hope you are facing your stresses, pressures, and pains alongside the One who loves you with an infinite love.
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.