A Heart Touching Passage.

    Psalms 23                           

Psalm 23 is a well-known passage from the book of Psalms in the Bible, which is often recited in times of comfort or distress. It is a psalm of David and is believed to have been written around 1000 BC.

Here's the text of Psalm 23 in the New International Version (NIV):

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The psalm begins with the declaration that the Lord is the psalmist's shepherd, and because of this, the psalmist has everything he needs. The image of God as a shepherd is a common one in the Bible, and it suggests that God cares for and guides his people, just as a shepherd cares for and guides his sheep.

The psalm goes on to describe how God provides rest and refreshment for the psalmist, leading him beside quiet waters and green pastures. The psalmist also acknowledges that God guides him along the right paths for his name's sake, which means that God leads him in ways that bring honour and glory to God's name.

The psalmist then speaks of walking through the darkest valley, which represents a time of great difficulty or danger. However, he declares that he will not fear, because God is with him and provides comfort and protection.

In the final verses of the psalm, the psalmist speaks of God's provision and care for him. God prepares a table for him in the presence of his enemies, anoints his head with oil, and his cup overflows. The psalmist expresses confidence that God's goodness and love will follow him all the days of his life, and he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Overall, Psalm 23 is a beautiful and comforting expression of trust in God's care and provision. It reminds us that God is our shepherd who guides, protects, and provides for us, even amid difficulty and danger