This morning I read a bit in 1st Samuel, then a chapter in Acts, moving as directed by my annual Bible reading schedule. I glanced down at the plan and noticed one more passage rounding out the day’s offerings—Psalm 23.

I immediately knew this psalm would close my time in the scriptures for the day. How can I move on to something else with these images settling in my mind? Why hurry through the greatest words ever penned to describe the goodness of our God? So I sat still and enjoyed them for a few minutes.

I’m not so good at memorizing scripture, but I memorized this psalm years ago and think of it often—tattooed in my brain. Here’s the version I prefer, New King James, with classic phrasing intact. I hope you enjoy it and let it settle for a bit before moving on with your day:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, 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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Daniela Díaz