“I am your Shepherd. I give you everything that you need.
I bring you to good places where there is plenty to eat and drink.
I give you the kind of rest that restores and reassembles your soul.
I guide you to paths of health and wholeness because that is who I am.
Even as you walk through valleys of deep darkness, fear no evil, for I am with you. I protect you.
I am so generous and good. There is enough for all of humanity. My love for each of you never ceases. There is more than enough.
Goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.
We are together forever. You are never alone.”
I came across this paraphrased version of Psalm 23. Sometimes it can be helpful to read a different translation of Scripture because it helps us to see the same truths in a different or brighter light.
As we reflected on this Psalm in a church staff meeting one day, we wondered at the word “reassemble” where would typically just find the word “restore” in most translations. We discussed how this might have in mind that as sinful people we are broken. We carry within us fragmented parts that need to be mended and put back together. The Good Physician can reassemble us. There might be a part of us that we conceal off from God’s presence, considering it too broken to present to Him. Yet it is as we find the courage to present all our different broken pieces to the Lord, He is able to make us whole again.
As you slowly, reflectively, prayerfully read through this Psalm line by line, what stands out to you in this season of your life? Where do you notice the Lord wanting to minister to you?