Psalm 23 was one of the first verses I had to memorize when I was in Sunday school. Once we all knew it by heart we showed off our skills to our parents. We lined up as a group and recited together in unison – I’ve since learned there were one or two kids who pretended to be speaking, much like ventriloquist dummy’s.
At that age, none of us knew what the verses meant. It was in the King James version and no one spoke like that. We had no idea what “I shall not want” or “He restoreth my soul” meant. I shall not want what? And was the soul broken that it needed to be restored? No one knew.
Then there was the concept of the shepherd itself. Except for in images and Jesus movies, we’ve never encountered shepherds in our young lives. They didn’t venture into the city much and if they did, we’d hardly recognize them. They certainly didn’t look like the murals in our Sunday school classroom with their cloaks, and staffs shaped like candy canes.
But none of those factors deterred our recitation. Barely knowing what was coming out of our mouths we singsong the chapter like good little Sunday school children – most of us anyway.
Then somehow Psalm 23 became personal. The idea of a good shepherd guiding and protecting was very comforting. It was my go-to verse to conquer bad dreams, scary movies and dark places where monsters lurked unseen by human eyes. It also tamed the butterflies in my stomach and gave me courage.
In the long run, I’m grateful to have memorized Psalm 23 as a child. It became both my sword and shield and I wouldn’t have slayed so many fears if I hadn’t.
I hope it slays some of your fears today and gives you hope.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.