Perhaps one of the most recognized scriptures, Psalm 23 is one that many know by heart. Read at funerals and other times of distress, it is a passage that brings comfort to many.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."
It's not difficult to see why this Psalm offers a sense of comfort to many. From the beginning we recognize God's care for us. God is our shepherd. The shepherd cares for the flock, guiding them, providing for their needs, nourishing them. With God as our shepherd, our needs are cared for. We have no need of anything beyond that which is provided.
"He makes me lie down in green pastures;"
Continuing the metaphor of sheep and shepherd, we must consider the idea that for sheep, which eat grass, a verdant pasture must be appealing. What better place than a field of plenty in which to lounge?
But this depends on the presence of green pastures. Through creation, God provides us with plenty. And yet our destructive practices destroy the greenery - digging up the land, removing protections on the beauty of creation, working against practices that provide us with a bountiful pasture.
"He leads me beside still waters;"
In a flowing stream or river, still water usually indicates water with some depth to it. Because it is deeper, still waters are cooler and more refreshing in a hot climate. Again, for a flock of sheep in the wilderness where water may be scarce, God not only leads us near water, but water that is plentiful. God provides us with nourishment and refreshment.
But how can we be refreshed by water full of sludge? Will the shepherd lead us beside still waters full of soda cans and chemicals from mining operations? What of the waters coated in oil? It is as if we have forgotten that we dwell in the house of the Lord, this creation that God has given us.
Though we may have the traditional words memorized, I think that we sometimes hear them differently. Instead of the traditional words, I think the way we think of the Psalm today goes a bit more like this.
Psalm 23 for the 21st Century
The Lord is my shepherd, he fulfills my wants.
He makes me lie down in clear cut pastures;
He leads me beside oil-choked waters;
He restores my gold.
I claim his name for my own sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
For I am armed;
my rod and my staff--
they protect me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies
that I may gloat;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows
but I do not share.
Surely goodness and mercy will be directed at me
all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell as if I am the Lord
my whole life long.