Devotional || Psalm 23

By Beth Ferguson, Lay Leader and Member to the Annual Conference.

Psalm 23 is so familiar to all of us, even for those who are not regular church-goers. It is read at funerals so frequently that we sometimes think it is about dying. In fact, it is about God’s care for all of God’s children throughout our lives. The shepherd metaphor is also used by Jesus as he speaks of being the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep.

Consider the words:

The Lord is my shepherd.
    I lack nothing.
² He lets me rest in grassy meadows;
    he leads me to restful waters;
³         he keeps me alive.
He guides me in proper paths
    for the sake of his good name.

⁴ Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
    I fear no danger because you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—
    they protect me.

⁵ You set a table for me
    right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
    my cup is so full it spills over!
⁶ Yes, goodness and faithful love
    will pursue me all the days of my life,
    and I will live in the Lord’s house
    as long as I live.

Psalm 23, Common English Bible

God promises to provide food for the sheep in the green meadows, he promises to provide water and shelter. We lack for nothing. He guides us along the safe path and protects us from danger. Even in the face of the enemy, we can relax and eat, because we are in God’s hands. In our darkest moments, God is there.

This Psalm is a comfort to us throughout the difficult moments of life. God promises to love and care for us during times when our enemies are out to get us. Right now, our biggest enemy is the Coronavirus. Some are extremely ill, and many have died. God is with those in hospitals and nursing homes when their families can’t be present. God is with the dying as they enter into life eternal. God is at gravesites when families are burying their dead with no opportunity to celebrate the life of the one who died, because they can’t gather in groups. God is with those who are sick in their homes, not sick enough to be in the hospital, but fearing that they may get sicker. God is with those isolating at home and feeling lonely. God is in the stores providing for the workers and providing for our basic needs, even among the shortages.  

In your dark moments, remember that God is our shepherd, and that Jesus, our shepherd, came to live among us to care for us and to bring us hope and healing and a promise of eternal life. 

A Prayer from the Extended Cabinet

By Rev. Megan Stowe Central Massachusetts District Superintendent (based on John 10:1-10 and Psalm 23)

O Good Shepherd,
We seek and listen for your voice.
We are thankful that you guide and protect us.
Be with us these days when we are literally walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Restore all of us who are struggling body, mind and spirit.
Lead us alongside the still waters.
We look forward to the day when we can feast at the table you have prepared for us.
Your mercy comforts us.
All of our days, we are reminded that you are with us. Amen.