This week, I cleaned out my mother-in-law’s office. It had been the room where we’d been placing all of her things from around the house, but this week we needed to clean it out and organize her things, storing them away in boxes until the family can go through them more carefully.
I was thankful to have a hands-on task to complete during this time of grief. But it had painful parts too. Organizing papers (many of which had titles like “What to know about chemotherapy”), looking at nail polish and chap stick that would never be used by her again, holding jewelry I had given her from China—these all brought tears to my eyes as I organized a life-time of items. Even dusting her shelves caused me to think, “I used to clean this house for her….” It’s ok to cry about these things. We are walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
I have often thought of Psalm 23 the last several weeks. It is one of the most well-known Psalms of the Bible, and many of us have had it memorized for decades. I remember memorizing it when I was just a child, and it is a passage that has stayed in my mind for more than 30 years now. We often associate Psalm 23 with childhood, but it’s really a psalm about our entire life, and even about facing death. It is certainly comforting at the end of our lives, or when we are walking that valley with someone.
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 paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will 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 forever.
Unfortunately, it’s possible for us to be familiar with scripture and never really apply it to our daily life. I know I did this for a long time with this psalm. Even though I had it memorized, I didn’t really think about how it was true in my life. So a while back, I decided to rewrite it in my own words. I hope that this can be an encouragement to you and prompt you to apply it to your specific situation. Here is my version of it:
A Personal Paraphrase of Psalm 23:
God is my loving guide and caretaker. He gives me everything I need. He gives me nourishment, rest, and peace. He heals and encourages me spiritually. He teaches me what I should do and guides me through life, demonstrating to everyone what a good God He is.
I’m going to go through difficulties—but even in the face of death, I’m not going to be afraid because I know that God is with me and planning everything for my good. His strength, which He sometimes uses to punish, for me, is a source of comfort and protection. Even when I am surrounded by seeming danger, I can count on you to protect as well as provide for me.
You have abundantly blessed me—given me more than I could ask or think. Your goodness to me and love for me will continue my entire life. And when I die, I will enjoy even greater blessing in your presence forever!
What are you facing today? I encourage you to try paraphrasing a passage of Scripture to help you through your day. Use paraphrase as a way to pray through these things. Think about what God is teaching you in the passage and how that can encourage and guide you in your life.
What passage will you paraphrase? Join the conversation in the comments below!
Recommended Reading:
“Travel the Shepherd’s path to the green pastures and cool, refreshing waters of Psalm 23. As a shepherd himself, W. Phillip Keller shares his insights into the life and character of sheep–and of the Good Shepherd who loves and cares for them. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 will give new meaning to the ageless Shepherd Psalm, enriching your trust in and love for the Lord who watches closely over you.” (Amazon description)
“Compassionate and wise guides Raymond Mitsch and Lynn Brookside shine a light on the road through grief. They can help you endure the anguish and uncertainty; understand the cycles of grief; sort through the emotions of anger, guilt, fear, and depression; and face the God who allowed you to lose the one you love. A series of thoughtful daily devotions, Grieving the Loss of Someone You Love shares wisdom, insight, and comfort that will help you through and beyond your grief.” (Amazon description)
I am so sorry about the loss of your mother-in-law. She was a remarkable and wonderful lady. One of my last conversations with her was over Psalms 23 of how our Lord is the our Shepherd and we are not in want of anything else but Him. Beautiful paraphrase of the Psalm 23❤️❤️ it has become one of my most favourites during my journey through life here on earth. Have you heard of the book ‘A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller’?
Yes, I have heard of this book! It should definitely be on my list of books to read this year! Thanks for the reminder, and for the memory you shared.
I remember the 23rd Psalm going through my mind as I was in the ambulance going to the hospital when I had my heart attack. I also remember the calm and the peace I had about what was happening. I know that God was with me the entire time. Thanks for sharing your paraphrase of Psalms 23.
Wow! What an amazing testimony of God’s truth guiding you through an immense challenge!