David, who is
familiar with hardships, enemies, and anxiety, writes this famous poem about
how God’s presence brings peace, even in “the shadow of the valley of
death.”
STUDY
THE SCRIPTURE
Click here to access the reading of Psalm 23
For
more help use this Bible
Study method
REFLECT
The Lord is My Shepherd
By Tom Richards
The 23rd Psalm is one of the most
familiar passages in all of scripture. Many have these verses memorized and
they are often read at funeral services. The words of this Psalm provide
comfort during difficult times. Even though we may experience things in this
life that we do not “want”, God’s Word and his Presence can bring us peace –
“green pastures”. These words, as with many words in scripture, can uniquely
“restore our souls”. The promises of God, specifically the promise of eternal
life with him, enable us to “fear no evil”. We know that like a shepherd, he
holds us in his hands and that even death does not have victory over us.
It may seem strange, but as powerful
and familiar as the 23rd Psalm is I was having a difficult time thinking about
what to write in this post. I shared this with my wife, and she encouraged me
to look at these verses from a spiritual and eternal perspective. As part of
this conversation we talked about a friend of hers who was dying of cancer. My
wife, who is well acquainted with physical suffering, shared a text that she
sent to her friend several days earlier. I think it captures the message of the
23rd Psalm and with her permission I would like to share it with you.
“I know it’s late, but I just want
you to know I’m thinking about you (as I do every night). Pain seems so much
worse at night and then on top of that you are so sleep deprived you don’t know
how you’ll get through the next day. My heart aches for you and for what you
are enduring… and more chemo. You must be feeling so overwhelmed.
I pray: Father God, comfort Cheryl in
a way that only you can. Be so near that she can feel your Presence and hold
her Lord. Speak to her heart and tell her how proud you are that she’s been a
Christian leader in her home and work and with her friends… and now more than
ever in her suffering she is clinging to you and to your promise and she is
standing firm on her faith! She knows you are God, you are in control, and that
no matter what cancer tries to do to her body, her soul cannot be touched! You
hold it safely in YOUR hands and there will be a victory. We love you Lord and we
are trusting you. In Jesus name, Amen. Love you."
Cheryl died on May 21. Her funeral
service was held on May 26. The first scripture reading in the service was the
23rd Psalm.
UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER
