This week as I was reading the twenty-third psalm, I started pondering what the words mean to me personally and specifically. I have found it helpful to take a psalm and turn it into a personal prayer. 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

When God is leading my life, I can be content with my circumstances, even when life is hard and things aren’t going my way.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters.

God fills my life with so many good things – peaceful mornings, smiles from a grandson, laughter with family. Times of rest, pleasure, and joy.

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

When I spend time with God, He has a way of reviving me. He gives me that boost I need to tackle the day, or that glimmer of hope to face something hard. His Word reminds me of the godly character I need to strive for, and He directs my heart in decisions I need to make – decisions that will bring Him glory. 

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.

When I walk through times that are dark, difficult, and scary, I can rest in Your divine protection and provision. I know that the God who holds the universe is always here right beside me, which helps me feel safe and secure.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

The devil won’t win this battle. God, you have chosen me, ME! Even in the face of spiritual warfare, you fill my life with blessings. When I think about all the things I have to be thankful for, I am overwhelmed – there are too many to count!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

My future is so bright! For the rest of my days on this earth, I have the comfort of knowing God’s blessings and provision will always be there for me. And when my life on earth is finished, my eternal home awaits, where I will meet face-to-face the One who has been lovingly leading and guiding me. I will live forever in His love. 

When I stop to go deeper into each verse I find so much appreciation for God and how He carries me each and every day!

Conversely, I can imagine what it would be like if I did not have God leading my life. I have seen versions of the “antipsalm,” showing the opposite of these comforting words. So I considered each verse again, this time examining them in light of what it looks like when I push God aside and try to do things on my own.

My anti-psalm:

I am my own boss. I am continually searching to find meaning and satisfaction, but somehow keep coming up empty. I’m never content, never truly happy.

My soul aches but I can’t seem to find rest. All around me is chaos; I fight to stay afloat but I’m drowning.

I want to do things my way! I don’t want anyone telling me what to do or how to live. But I struggle to find the strength to get through the day. I can’t really seem to find purpose or direction. I second-guess every decision and get so frustrated when my efforts fail.

Doubt and sin strangle me. I’m all alone and it’s terrifying.

I feel like I’m losing this battle. I can see no good in my life, only the bad. I’m overwhelmed by negative emotions. 

Looking towards the future is depressing. I see no possibility of anything getting better. This life is empty and meaningless and when it’s over, I’ll be gone and that’s it.

Making the psalm personal in these two ways has opened my eyes to see just how different my life is with God at the helm.The difference is not subtle. It is extraordinary.

God, thank you that you are the shepherd of my life and fill my days with meaning and joy and hope.