One of the great ways to approach the Psalms is to personalize them, to take the text and make it real for your own life. Make the promises, warnings, descriptions, theology into statements you prayerfully speak back to God. Rachel Pannell has recently done just that with Psalm 23, and has graciously allowed us to “overhear the conversation.” Be encouraged by the way that the Bible can be used in your own life as well.
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. The good shepherd lives with his flock and is everything to it. Everything. What they cannot do for themselves, He does for them. It’s true, I can’t do this, Lord, but you can. I have to remember that you can. In you there is no lack, no withholding care. I have to remember. Because you are my Shepherd, I want for nothing. You guide me through the rocky patches; you shield me from the brunt of the enemy’s attack; you pick me up when I slip and fall. You provide all things for your sheep: guidance, health and healing, protection and safety, love, peace of mind, comfort, joy. I am so stubborn and foolish, Lord, the sheep you continually have to rescue with the crook of your staff.
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall now want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. The good shepherd thinks and observes and knows exactly what is ahead and is prepared for every possibility. You have gone before me, Lord. You know what is coming at every turn, what I’ll find in every dark corner. You have all things under control even when they seem devastating to me. You know where respite shall be found and how much I will need. Your presence is ever near if we would but see it. You gently cultivate the dry barren land; clearing away stony unbelief; breaking up the hard, proud heart; freeing us to walk with you – to walk satisfied in our creator. You, Jesus, are aware of my every dilemma, are in it with me, and it is in that assurance that I should rest.
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 paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. The Lord searches for the sheep that is lost and delights in restoring it, working to bring spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and psychological renewal, a deep renewal that only He can provide. A renewal that you desire to continually provide, Lord, if I would just let you. Why is to so hard for me to do that, Lord? Your Holy Spirit intercedes in our weakness, intercedes when I can do nothing more than weep. You are so good to me, Lord, hearing my cries and restoring me ever more quickly to a place of peace. Why do you bother with me, Lord? You are so patient with me, Jesus. Waiting to lead, if I would only follow. Would that it were easier to follow, Lord, to follow you rather than trails of habit, that I would do, go, say, act, and react in whatever situation in a manner that would glorify and honor you.
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 paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea 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. In your presence, Lord, there is no fear. Every path to which you lead is a right path, even if I can’t see that at the time. Your rod is my defense, my sword, my comfort. Why is it so hard sometimes to recall the truths you have taught, the verses memorized? Your staff is my control, my teacher, my reassuring guide as you come along side me, escorting me. Tenderly, but persistently saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). As I climb through each valley, you promise I’ll not die there, that I will walk through it; and in every disappointment, every discouragement, every dark and difficult day you walk with me, even carrying me if necessary. There is no fear in your presence, Lord. Why is it so hard, Jesus, to remember in my distress that you are there, that nothing can ever take you unaware? Why is it so hard to remember that I have no need to fear?
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 paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy 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. The Shepherd calls us to feast, ever alert, aware of the enemies round about, yet calls just the same, making every possible provision to ensure that His sheep will not be overcome when they have to cope with sin, self, and Satan. Our Shepherd has already won the battle; He sacrificed that we might thrive and flourish at His table. With great care, Lord, keeping in mind what is best for me during the coming season, you make a plan and call me to the table, letting not the smallest detail go unnoticed! Close to Christ is my one sure place of safety – if I would just have the sense to stay at the table, to stay near you at all times. Why do I turn? Why do I get lost in distraction and panic attempting to escape my torment? At the very first sign of distress you are there, but I don’t see. You continually anoint us, generously, graciously pouring out your Spirit to counteract every attack. Sometimes it is surprising how promptly you respond to our earnest requests….when I actually choose to ask, and often, Jesus, even when I am too stupid to ask. You fully understand my troubled mind and heart. When will I be satisfied with your care? When will I remember that at your table I am not forgotten? That my Shepherd is never lax nor careless nor indifferent – not when things go well or in the midst of trial. Up and down, calm and storm, you are with me; your blood covers me completely.
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 paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. No matter what comes, the righteousness and mercy of our Shepherd is there, bringing goodness out of chaos for the one who is truly in His care. Where is the implicit confidence I should have in my Savior? Where is the absolute faith in my heavenly Father who ensures that every calamitous event, every treacherous valley, every path that seems a dead end, every day black as night truly works for my good? He is sovereign, all knowing, all discerning. Goodness and mercy and compassion continually flow from His loving arms in unending supply. He alone knows what He is doing and is pleased with His work in our lives. So, what do I say when I stand helpless, what is my reaction when finances are lost, what do I say when life or friends or family prove false? Trust – delight – certainty – gladness, these should be my hymn. Jesus, when will I be content? You are my Shepherd, Lord, controlling every aspect of my life with wisdom and purpose. Please help me trust you more. You diligently pursue me; you attend me with great care and concern because I belong to you. And, I thank you, Lord, for your goodness, for your mercy, for calling me to you and continuing to draw me near, for making the way so that I will dwell in your house forever.
Rachel Pannell
Over the years I have been writing out scripture from a personal perspective. I have never taken it to this level and was especially provoked to do so. After having read Rachel’s Psalm 23 I rewrote part of Psalm 7, it was very effective ministry to my soul. Thank you for posting it and thank you Rachel for working at it so thoughtfully.