The 23rd Psalm is one of the most beloved and well-known verses of the Hebrew Canon.
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul.”
King James Version – 1611
The imagery offered here is beautiful; offering as it does a glimpse of serenity and calm. It evokes a sense of peace. Something we can all appreciate amidst the turmoil of the times. How inviting this sounds! Green pastures, among still waters to renew and refresh our souls, which are frayed from the struggles of life.
There is a tendency to think what we are living through and experiencing is unique to the present. That the world heretofore has never known quite the difficulties which we have… and are facing. Yet looking back, history paints a different picture. Each age has had its own version of adversity and hardship.
Like so many of us, people in days gone by have turned to these same words for comfort, reassurance… and strength to meet the challenges of their time.
And always, the words of this psalm have offered relief and consolation for the weary heart. An invitation to slow down, and know a sense of renewal from the uplifting words found within these verses.
The Lord is our Shepherd. And herein is presented as one who is Comforter, and Protector as well. He sees to our care as any shepherd would his flock, providing for their relief and ease.
And thus, has it been down thru the ages…
“The Lord to me a shepherd is, want therefore shall not I. He in the folds of tender grass doth cause me down to lie.” Bay Bible Book – 1640
“The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want, he maketh me down to lie; in pastures green, he leadeth me the quiet waters by.” Scottish Psalter – 1650
Tender folds of grass, pastures green… and quiet waters by. This is very welcome in the busy hectic pace which defines, and consequently runs our life today. We can’t always take time-out, drop everything, and just disappear for a few days of R and R. Our lives are not programmed for this, regardless of how beneficial such a respite might be.
There are obligations and responsibilities to others which must be answered. Stepping back physically, to seek renewal emotionally and mentally, is simply not a realistic possiblity.
Oh… to answer the call of soft pastures, and still quiet waters which feed and rejuvenate the soul!
In practice though, we have the ability to take hold of this imagery. To seek out and absorb unto ourselves the aura of tranquility, which these time-honoured words give rise to. And in so doing, invite its peace to flow freely into our mind and spirit, wherever and whenever there is need for refreshment.
The beauty of this psalm comes from more than its imagery of quiet serenity.
It also comes from how this sense of tranquility can ‘live’ within our hearts… providing a steady source of reassurance and ease in the midst of a difficult day.
And while we may not be able to ‘physically’ surround ourselves with green pastures, among still and calming waters.
We can – in heart and mind – ‘visit’ there whenever the realities of life get a little too close for comfort.
As Shepherd, He is always watching over… guiding and caring, tending to the well-being of His flock. Knowing this, we can feel assured of His Presence offering whatever strength and encouragement may be called for… regardless of the path life requires us to walk.
And so… my soul restoreth.
2 thoughts on “Serenity in a Psalm”
This was such a beautiful reminder of the strength and usefulness of this psalm. It carried me thorough a life crisis year’s ago, at times continuously recited almost like the rosary. It still takes me through difficult situations, or even just difficulty sleeping.
That’s part of the beauty of this psalm… for so many of us it has the same effect. Like a mantra repeated over and again… it helps to calm and ground us when life gets crazy. A reminder that He is there and we are not alone. Green pastures await within… and the Shepherd is always there.
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