The Supreme Psalm 23 

I invite you to pray along with me this January in the book of Psalms. 

Psalms- a strange literature indeed. A daily psalter read is laid upon the heart and becomes most precious, ringing through the mind, but there are specific ones that have always gone deep into the soul, connecting humanity with God. 

While no official title exists among Christians, Psalm 23 is most often called The Beloved Psalm, ranking among the most powerful for its message of God’s comfort and provision. The visual is timeless. Still waters, green pastures on a path of His righteousness will ever calm. Every spa on earth wants to offer this experience to its patrons. 

“This Psalm is the most perfect expression of confidence in God. It assures the believer that the Lord is not merely a general Shepherd, but my Shepherd. No matter how dark the valley, with Christ as our Shepherd, we find comfort and hope, knowing that His goodness and mercy follow us now and into eternity.” –Charles Spurgeon 

Though Psalm 23 employs the shepherd motif, which may seem archaic in a contemporary context, shepherding continues to resonate in a modern world. Guidance with soul care and mercy is comfort. I particularly connect with the rhythm of this Psalm. 

He makes…

He leads…

He restores.. 

He leads…(again)

along with the rod and staff, the “surely-ness” of his mercy is solace. 

There are many claims to the dearest Psalm in this ancient book.  C. S. Lewis  said that Psalm 19 was the “greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.”  Whatever one you select, you share it with a cloud of witnesses. Any one of the 150 is a crowd favorite with many. Select one and make it your own top-pick. 

Pray: 

Psalm 23, 19

Heavenly Father, 

We come before You with gratitude for the book of Psalms–a delight to pray, a source of strength, and our bond with those who have gone before us and the many who will continue after us. Surely Your goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. Amen