Psalm 23

*This video is dedicated to my mom. When I hear it, I hear her voice reading this to me as a child. It is helpful for me to remember that this is a SONG of David. The Psalms are meant to appeal to my emotions (like songs do). When I read this Psalm in that spirit, it causes me to rest.

INTRO: DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS SHEPHERD

1 The Lord [is] my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

TRANSITION: DAVID SINGS TO HIS SHEPHERD

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS PRESENCE IN DARK VALLEYS

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and

your staff,

they comfort me.

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS PRESENCE AMIDST HIS ENEMIES

5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS POSITION, POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER ENEMIES

you anoint my head with oil [position, power and authority];

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT ABUNDANT BLESSINGS

my cup overflows [filled to the brim].

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT ABUNDANT BLESSINGS OF ENDLESS GOODNESS AND MERCY

6 Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me all the days of my life,

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT THE LENGTH OF ABUNDANCE

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.