Scripture lesson for May 11, 2025: Psalm 23 (ESV)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

³ He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

⁴ 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.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This psalm is one of the most recognied passages in the Bible, a familiar favorite of people in many nations and cultures. I read it to people in crisis often, and very often they join in many of the phrases. That happens even with people who rarely attend a church.

Read the psalm several times during the week, and take note of any new insights you get from it. Note also how you feel about what you’re reading. What do the words do to you?

For extra credit: After reading Psalm 23, take a look at Psalm 139 and compare the two.

Pr. Steve