As a pastor, I’ve used the 23rd Psalm many times. Occasionally, the scripture was offered to comfort a person going through a difficult time, but often, it was the scripture chosen by a family as we celebrated the life of a loved one at a funeral. However, the 23rd Psalm is not just for end-of-life moments but can be a powerful guide and source of comfort throughout life’s journey. It reminds us that God is a Shepherd who provides, protects and is always present.
I remember the fall I felt like I was unraveling. Life had become a series of chaotic, sleepless nights and hurried, half-hearted prayers. I had taken on too much trying to be everything for everyone. In the midst of it all, I realized I hadn’t truly rested in weeks—maybe even months. Not just physically, but spiritually. I was dry, disconnected, drained and very tired. I suspect you’ve been in that same place sometime during your life.
One morning, I sat at my kitchen table with a mug of coffee warming my hands. I did something I hadn’t done in years; something I was taught in the denomination of my childhood. “Hold your bible in your hands, pray or cry out to God, ask God to give you a scripture, and then let the Bible open to where it will. With your eyes closed, put your finger some place on the page and see what message God has for you.” I did just that, hoping for something—anything—to anchor me. And there it was: Psalm 23. Familiar. Simple. But that morning, it felt brand new.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”
It hit me: God doesn’t suggest rest. He makes me lie down. He leads me beside still waters. Peace. Safety. I had been pushing through, believing rest was a luxury. As I sat there, reading those ancient words, tears slipped down my cheeks. I realized I had been running past the Shepherd, rather than letting Him lead.
That morning, everything wasn’t quickly restored. I didn’t magically feel refreshed. But I did stop. I breathed. I listened. I remembered the gift of a cabin offered to me “anytime” I needed to get away. I cleared my schedule, took a flight out the next day to Wyoming, taking with me only a few clothes and my Bible. And in the stillness of my time away, I slept, rested in God, spent time in God’s word, walked for miles each day enjoying the gift of creation, and God began to restore my soul. I returned refreshed, renewed: body, soul, mind, and spirit. The 23rd Psalm helped to direct my life at a crucial moment in ministry. I give thanks to God.
Where I walked each day. Notice the shadows of the fence. Our journey is not always straight, but thank God, He always directs our path.
Rev. Linda Harker, Pastor of Connections
