August 23
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PSALM 23 I SHALL NOT WANT IF THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
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. – Psalm 23:1-6
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
If I am serving the Lord God Almighty, there is nothing else I will crave
He guides me and brings me in meadows that are abundant and lush
The Lord leads me to peaceful waters and he renews my spirit
He goes ahead of me so I can be on my way to the path that is righteous
Despite the wickedness surrounding me, I will not be worried
I will trust him because he loves me and he is always with me
If the Lord is my shepherd, I am assured of life eternal
He prepares a place for me in the new heaven and the new earth
Though it seems bleak at times while we navigate this world
I will continue to rely on him and follow his word
The Lord anoints me and pours his goodness and mercy
He protects me and delivers me from all my enemies
He gave his only begotten Son to rescue me from bondage
I will follow his way so I can break away from being enslaved
I will be content with whatever my Lord gives me
Whether I am with or without comforts, I will thank him
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think we need a good shepherd? Why can’t we just go through life without someone leading us? What does it mean to have Jesus as your shepherd?