THE TWENTY-THIRD PSALM EXPLAINED

by Lawrence Wilson, MD

Ó January 2010, The Center For Development

One of the most powerful affirmations or decrees that I have ever found, as well as one of the most beautiful, is the twenty-third psalm of David. Repeated often, it can help turn around negative thinking as can few others, in my experience. At one time I was very ill and found this extremely helpful. Even if the words don’t ring true for you, just repeating the words and thinking about them can help them to come alive for you. Here it is in its entirety, followed by an explanation.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.

He leadeth me besides clear waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his namesake.

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.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.

EXPLANATION

The psalm begins, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. David grew up as a shepherd, so he used the analogy of God as a shepherd, one who takes care of his charges.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me besides the clear waters. This repeats the theme that God takes care of me, that I shall not want for anything, as He brings me to fertile areas and provides me with clean water to drink.

He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his namesake. Not only am I taken care of, but I am restored at the deepest level. Also, my future is also made better by His guidance.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for though art with me. Sheep are often led through areas that may be dangerous in order to bring them to fertile areas. Some fear is therefore normal and to be expected. However, a good shepherd always stays close to his flock.

Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Shepherds carried a rod and a staff to guide the sheep and to ward off wolves or other predators that would harm the sheep. David alludes to these items as being protectors that remind him of the way God protects him. He also affirms that one is never alone. God is with you all the time., just as the shepherd stays with the sheep all the time so they can graze in peace.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over. This is the wonderful thought that although I may seem surrounded with problems, God takes care of me, even in their midst. Indeed, I am greatly blessed (anointed with oil) and I am given even more than I need. The words are powerful images, such as a cup that overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Here is re-affirmed that goodness and mercy are my lot and that I therefore choose to dwell in this state of consciousness forever. Affirming that I make this choice is most important.

The power of this prayer may simply be that millions have used it over the years. If it is helpul for you, use it often and learn to appreciate that you are protected and helped in ways you cannot imagine.

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