A Psalm for Life

Psalm 23

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.

This is the best known of all the Psalms (all 150 of them), and one of the best known passages in the whole Bible. Most of us have heard it read, usually at a funeral, but sometimes in a movie or a television show, where it is read during a funeral.  Because of this customary use, most of us think of this psalm specifically in the context of grief and death.  So you might be surprised to learn that it is one of the psalms on the recommended list to be read at weddings! 

Psalm 23 is, in fact, a psalm about life, not death. It is all about living a good life by trusting in God and being open to and aware of the gifts that God gives.  This song (the Psalms are all poems, and songs) is a song of praise and thanksgiving for the presence of God in the midst of life, especially in difficult times.  It is an appropriate piece of Scripture to be read at any time during our lives when we are grateful for help and protection through difficult or dangerous situations.  In the context of a wedding, it sets the tone of trust and faith, protection and security, that one hopes for in a marriage.

Psalm 23 is a song about living, and it is for the living, for us, especially when we face difficulties and dangers.   Sing it often. 

In Christ,

David