The twenty-third Psalm is beloved throughout the world. Through this famous Psalm we are brought into intimacy and trust with the Holy One. We experience stillness, quiet, restoration, courage and strength. It’s a beautiful example of a confession of faith even in the valley of death! These are also wonderful words for life!

There is enormous comfort and strength in Psalm 23. I have often marveled at how people from all walks in life remember these words in crisis and pain. So often we save this marvelous Psalm for trouble and sorrow. Several years ago a gay friend asked "why?" "Why do we hear this Psalm only during funerals? Why can’t we hear it in the good times as well?" This study is dedicated to that seeker!

There are many versions of Psalm 23. Some are inclusive. Some are not. Some use "Yahweh" for "LORD." One writer used "Beloved." "Oh my Beloved, you are my shepherd, I shall not want…"

If you have a preferred tender, sacred name for the Shepherd, simply insert it and enjoy your prayer! If the male pronouns are offensive, substitute creatively with what is comfortable for you. Enjoy this soul food sampler!

The author was an obscure shepherd before becoming King of Israel. He loved God passionately and understood the tenderness of the good shepherd. He fought wild animals and natural elements to protect the sheep under his care. David is credited for writing this beloved reflection. Come and visit the One Shepherd who will meet the needs of our souls.

Shepherding is something I’ve struggled to understand from an urban perspective. Yet there are many beautiful metaphors in the Bible (Old and New Testament) of God as Shepherd. A tender picture of God is found in the Old Testament book called Ezekiel 34:11-31. Here are just a few selected verses to linger with. For a significant spiritual experience read them again and again.

"For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep and seek them out… I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered… I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries… I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice." The passage concludes with "You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture and I am you God, says the LORD GOD" (New Revised Standard Version).

We are the sheep of God’s pasture (Psalm 97:13). God is our shepherd (Psalms 80:1; 95:7). As sheep we are prone to wander (Psalm 119:176; Isaiah 53:6). God delights in carrying lambs in beautiful loving arms (Isaiah 40:11; 2 Samuel 12:3; Luke 15:3-6). Dear friends, we are those lambs.

Sheep are not known for their intelligence. Some get easily confused, for not all shepherds are good. Evil shepherds are mentioned also (Jeremiah 23:1ff; Ezekiel 34: 1,2 and Zechariah 11:17). When sheep are forsaken, they are vulnerable to wild beasts (Numbers 27:17; 1 Samuel 17:34-36; 1 Kings 22:17; Isaiah 11:6 and Zechariah 10:2; 13:7).

But the Messiah will be the One Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23, cf. Jeremiah 23:5). Jesus Christ is the Messiah of God. Jesus is "the Good Shepherd." A New Testament parallel to Psalm 23 can be found in the Gospel of John (Jn 10:1-18). Jesus is the good shepherd who knows his sheep by name, who seeks the lost who stray, who carries the lambs on his shoulders to safety.

God is the good shepherd who wishes to bless us with spiritual nourishment. It is the Lord who leads us to fresh grass for feeding. We will never lack. Our soul food is the word of God.

This tender Searcher restores and refreshes our souls. We are given forgiveness and peace. This same gentle Shepherd leads us in the right way and knows the paths that lead us home safely. The Lord loses none of the sheep because of God’s reputation. God’s reputation is found in God’s name.

Our Shepherd God protects us in the valleys of deep darkness and in the shadow of death. We have no need to fear. The Lord is with us and will protect us. The shepherd’s rod and staff are sufficient for all situations. We can take great comfort knowing the Lord is present and protecting. We can never be in situations that God is unaware. God never leaves or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5).

Our God is Provider and brings us all into a lavish banquet hall. In the presence of our enemies, God delights in providing us with lavish spiritual hospitality and welcome. Even with impending danger, the Shepherd Host spreads out a table for us. Our anointing with oil is refreshing, soothing and harmonizing with the gracious host hospitality of ancient times. We are welcomed into the home of God. The cup is of abundant blessing.

Finally, the Shepherd’s loyal good love (Hebrew word, hesed) will go with us everywhere throughout our lives. God’s blessings on us remain no matter what our circumstances or sexual orientation may be. For a further taste of soul food in God’s blessings through Psalter prayers (Pss), consider reading Pss 27:13; 31:19; 69:16; 86:17; 109:21; 116:12; 142:7; 145:7 for starters. We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. All the days of our lives and throughout eternity we will be with the Shepherd.

In reclaiming our place at the Shepherds banquet table through Psalm 23, we can live with personal confidence, joy, triumph from beginning to end. Amen!

This beloved passage is used by countless twelve step recovery groups. The most famous group is "AA" for Alcoholics Anonymous. Anyone who struggles with addictions, substance abuse or some recovery group may recognize "step 3" in this Psalm!

In a twelve step Serenity Bible, Psalm 23 is described as Step 3. Step 3 reads: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand God." We make a commitment to turn our lives over to God and we become God’s sheep! We give up our self-will, our dependencies and our excessive ambitions. In doing this we will find peace and restoration. The twelve step approach claims being a sheep of the Good Shepherd gives a security that nothing else on earth can give. However rough the path, the Good Shepherd leads to comfort and protection.

May each reader be blessed by the Shepherd.

The author of this material is "Surprised by Joy" (surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com). "Surprised by Joy" is an ordained UFMCC Christian minister who discovered that God is wonder-full to be with. It is our hope and prayer at soulfoodministry.org that all visitors will experience the tenderloving - kindness of God and receive spiritual food for their journey.