(This has been another busy week. I don’t know whether I can focus on worship this morning. Something is nagging at my feelings.)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
(Life is busy. There seems to be no end to work. I can’t relax.)
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.
(I have bad, painful memories. I am hurting inside.)
He restores my soul.
(I struggle with sin. The good I want to do I cannot do. The evil I do I do not want to do. Who will rescue me from this body of death?)
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
(I am getting older and may soon die. Someone I love may soon die.)
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.
(My fellow workers look down on me. My boss gives me a hard time. I have few friends at school.)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
(Life is full of troubles. My health is not as it should be. Where can I find meaningful work?)
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
(I am worried about the future. Will I meet a partner? Can I repay my debts? Is my business going to fail? Will my marriage last?)
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.
(Lord, I believe. Help me in my unbelief.)
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Bert Witvoet)