The twenty-third psalm ...

Too often the only time Psalm 23 is heard is at funerals. It is definitely appropriate there for in it are the words, "... though I walk through the darkest valley (in some translations "the shadow of death"), you are with me, your rod (used to defend sheep) and your staff, (used to pull sheep back into the fold,) they comfort me (v. 4).

But so much of the psalm deals with daily life for it speaks of the LORD daily providing for us (vv. 1-3), and defending us (vv. 4-6).

In invite you to think first about all that you have today and then to read Psalm 23 below. And picture yourself as a sheep who is cared for by the Good Shepherd who is the LORD.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

I invite you to be our guest at our worship celebration at 10:00 AM on Sunday.

Arlington UMC

1360 Murfreesboro Road

Nashville, Tennessee 37217

(615) 361-4896