Psalm 23
What has been getting me out of bed on these cold, dark winter mornings?
The anticipation of hearing Psalm 23 again. Really.
On the twenty-second of November, I responded to a challenge. A forty-day challenge that Louis Giglio gave me in the eighth chapter of his book Goliath Must Fall:
Every morning before I've done anything and every evening after I've done everything, I either listen to or read Psalm 23. Very first thing, very last thing. I've done this every day for the last four months.
It reminds me of growing up in Costa Rica in the seventies. At the end of the broadcast day, the television stations would sign off for the night by reading Psalm 23 (wouldn't that still be nice?!)
I know it's the famous verse plastered on tons of inspirational posters, keychains, and coffee mugs.
But there's a reason.
What other single chapter is so rich and full of gloriously realigning perspective?
It even is a progression toward intimacy, starting with "He" and then switching to "You" from the valley experience onward. Amazing!
Here’s my version that’s a compilation of several translations:
P S A L M 2 3
The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide, and to shield me], there is nothing I lack; I have all that I need.
He makes me lie down to relax in fields of green grass;
He leads me to calm water.
He refreshes and restores my soul, renewing my strength, indeed my entire being is brought to life;
He leads me in just the right paths for the absolute glory of His name.
Yes, though I walk through the deep, sunless valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear or dread any evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], always comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me (hosting me at Your table) right in front of my enemies. You satisfy and prosper me from the top of my head to the soles of my feet, because You anoint and refresh my head with oil; I often drink from the saucer, for my cup is so full it spills over.
I know for sure that goodness, that mercy, and that unfailing love will chase after me every single day of my life, and through the length of my days, I'll enjoy heavenly fellowship for the house of the LORD and His presence will be my dwelling place - it’s my permanent address. (Su casa es mi casa)
(If you want a fun gift to give someone, the beautiful watercolor prints that Claudia Good has painted are a great option. This graphic is made from one of them. Check them out here.)
In fact, about a month after I started doing this, I fought off a panic attack just by listening to a recording of it on repeat for about 30 minutes - the power of God's word!
I recorded my version with several audio backgrounds. You can create a playlist on your phone or even set them as the song that your wake-up alarm plays. And I'm giving them to you. Enjoy!
-Dave
ps. Bonus if you take the unaccompanied version and add your own background OR create your own version. I'd LOVE to hear them!!
-Dave Helmuth
(purchase my book, "Worship Fertilizer: (the first hundred)" HERE)
Psalm 23 (Nº 129)
