Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Psalm 23

The 23^rd Psalm is one of the most popular Psalms (and maybe scriptures) in the whole Bible. And the hymn “The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want” has also been a popular way for these words to find their way into our faith over the centuries.

In a note that accompanies this hymn in the Glory to God Hymnal, the editors remind us that “this paraphrase of Psalm 23 comes from the so-called Scottish Psalter of 1650, actually produced by the Westminster Assembly and intended for use by all Presbyterians in the British Isles …”

When I read or recite Psalm 23, it either follows this hymn, or falls from my lips in the King James Version:

Psalm 23

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
⁴ 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.
⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
⁶ 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.

What a wonderful thought as we live now, and trust God forever.

Prayer

Thank You, God, for Your watchful care over me each and every day, and for a promise of eternal care. Help me to feel Your presence as I walk today as a disciple of my Lord and Savior, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.