Psalms Chapter 23
Showing all 6 verses for Psalms Chapter 23.
The People's Bible is written by people, for the people. Each verse below shows:
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. "
"The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing."
When you feel like you're missing something essential, this verse invites you to ask what would actually make you feel provided for, and to notice the ways you already are, even amid want.
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. "
"He lets me rest in green pastures; he leads me beside calm, quiet water."
Genuine rest requires feeling safe enough to let your guard down - if you can't relax, ask what's missing, and look for what, or who, could actually provide that 'green pasture' feeling in your life.
"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. "
"He renews my whole being; he guides me along the right paths, because that's who he is."
If you feel worn down or lost, know that finding your way back isn't just about willpower - sometimes you need to be led, and it's alright to let that happen.
"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. "
"Even if I walk through a valley as dark as death's shadow, I won't be afraid of harm, because you're with me - your rod and staff comfort me."
You don't have to eliminate fear before you can face something terrifying - courage here is about not facing it alone, so let people, or whatever you trust, walk through the dark valley with you rather than trying to go it alone.
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. "
"You set a feast for me right in front of my enemies; you pour oil on my head as a welcome; my cup is overflowing."
You don't have to wait for every difficulty or hostile person in your life to disappear before you allow yourself to feel cared for and to celebrate - abundance and threat can coexist, and you can still choose the feast.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. "
"Goodness and unfailing love will follow me every day of my life, and I will live in the LORD's house forever."
Let yourself imagine that good things might be pursuing you, not just things you have to hunt down through sheer effort - that shift in posture, from striving to trusting, is itself a kind of rest.