Psalm 23 for a Pandemic

 

Psalm 23 is one of the most known and loved psalms.  The beauty of the imagery and the comfort in its words has lifted spirits in difficult times.  Imagine reading this in the 1930’s.  See the heart of the reader in the struggle for civil rights.  Envision the heart of the person reading after 911 or the recession of 2008.  And now during the COVID-19 pandemic…

• The Lord is my shepherd. In him I have all I need…not want.  Those wants are not important now.
• He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. My home in “shelter in place” orders. This quiet place of shelter.
• He renews my strength- Rest is enforced…no sports on TV…Oh my!! He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. This is his path for me right now. Not much I can do about it but trust.
• Even when I walk through the darkest valley-the dark valley of death this virus may bring, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff comfort me.
• In the midst of my enemies, those people that bring pain and heartbreak to me, you prepare a feast for me. You honor me by affirming your presence- you anoint my head with oil.  And in the midst of these dark times, my cup overflows with blessings.  I have a shelter, bread on the table and connection with friends and family by Zoom.
• Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me in sickness and in health, with stocks and bonds of shrinking value, the reality that people I love may die….in all the days of my life your unfailing love pursues me. You never let me go.  Even in this.
• And, I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Forever!!!  This shepherd says the best is yet to come. There is more than this life. How do I know?  He gives assurance through Jesus, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me…so I sacrifice my life for the sheep…”  And he did.  On the cross. In the tomb.  But not for long.  “I will live in the house of the Lord forever…”