Psalm 23

One article (linked here) said that Elizabeth’s favorite prayer was Psalm 23. My first thought was, “I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who has a favorite Psalm.” Then I thought, “Hey, that is a great one.” I’m sure many of you could recite the 23rd Psalm from memory, but just to make sure we’re all on the same page, here it is:

 (found here)

“I shall not want”

I don’t know about you, but if I’m being honest, I’m in a bit of trouble already by the second half of the first line! I mean, it’s a noble thought and an ideal goal. But I don’t think I am able to stop wanting things just yet. Deep down, I really want everyone in my family to be healthier. I want to have enough money that I’m not worried about falling short from month to month. As a matter of fact, there are times that I even want a bigger house, a nicer car, or better clothes.

I know I need to pray for that perspective in my life that allows me to appreciate what I have. The good news is, I believe I am making progress on that front. In the last year I have started using “The Prayer Process,” which I have on a small card from Dynamic Catholic. The first step is to “Begin by thanking God in a personal dialogue for whatever you are most grateful for today.” I find this exercise as I start each day has helped me to get closer to that perspective so I don’t focus on my wants quite as much. Of course, like all of us, I am still a work in progress!

“I fear no evil”

Then let’s go down to, “I fear no evil.” How I wish I could truly trust in God like that! Although I’ve always loved this Psalm for its comforting ideas, this line makes me doubt myself. Obviously, the ideal is to have the kind of faith that lets you walk through life without fear, but I am sometimes quite literally afraid of my own shadow.

And yes, I know what “literally” means. I’m saying I could be walking by myself worrying about the dangerous people who might be around and a change in my shadow as I pass between the various lights in the area catches the corner of my eye, causing me to jump with a split second worry that it is someone sneaking up on me. How crazy is that? In moments like that, I sometimes even remember the 23rd Psalm, and I feel sad about my lack of faith.

A Message of Hope

But other than those two slightly troublesome lines, I completely understand why this was Elizabeth’s favorite prayer. This is a message of comfort and hope. We just need to surrender to God’s will in our lives, and we can have the lasting joy that He wants for us. If we can learn to listen to God as he speaks to us, we can follow as He guides us to “the still waters” and to the table He prepares for us. Then “goodness and mercy shall follow [us] all the days of [our lives].” And ultimately, we “shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Amen!

Dear Lord, help us to hear You and follow Your will in our lives. Forgive our weakness when we succumb to wanting and fear, and guide us closer to You.