Psalm 23

(This is the NRSV translation, which differs somewhat from the more familiar King James wording.)

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.

Comment:

Metaphysically, we understand the LORD to be synonymous with the Christ—the indwelling Presence of God that is the truth of our spiritual identity. The Christ in me is infinitely powerful, but it's a quiet power; it doesn't shout to get my attention the way some of the negative thoughts in consciousness do. This is why it's important to remember it is always within me, available to 'shepherd' me lovingly through the shadows of death and evil that seem so real, to the green pastures and still waters of peace, joy, and abundance that are my destination. 'My cup overflows' because the infinite Goodness that is God will always produce more good in my life than I can even conceive in human consciousness. The 'goodness and mercy' of the Christ are with me all the days of my life; it's up to me to know this, and to choose always from this rich resource.

So although 'the valley of the shadow of death' is vividly described as a place of shadows, this doesn't mean it has any reality in spiritual Truth. It's important to recognize the challenges of our mortal lives can be highly frightening and unsettling. It's even more important to remember—and affirm—the green pastures and still waters of the psalm are always available, more real than the darkest of shadows could ever be.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed