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I’ve read the Twenty-Third Psalm more times than I can count. I memorized it when I was about twelve. But Sometimes I think I’ve become too familiar with David’s favorite Psalm. That’s one of the reasons I like to grab a different translation from time to time, and today my Bible Gateway page was set to the New Living Translation because of a children’s lesson I was working on. A few things stuck out to me in this version that I’d not thought of before.

My siblings raised sheep to show at the county fair. Like most animals, they have a leisurely life. Rest, eat, rest, eat. Then twice a year they get a hair cut so they don’t overheat. God compares His children to sheep, yet we toil and labor like everything depends on us. I suppose it boils down to wanting more than we need. But what if we were created for green meadows and quiet streams. Am I missing out on some of the blessings of my Creator because I feel the need to provide for myself?

I’m told that anointing a sheep with oil was a common middle eastern custom still practiced today to keep the pests off the animals’ heads. That’s a lovely picture of the Great Shepherd’s protection; however, the New Living Translation gives another view. Anointing was something reserved for kings and priests in scripture. People held the anointed ones in high esteem as men and women chosen by God. When the NLT added ‘You honor me’ in verse five, they reminded me I’m an heir to the King (Galatians 4:7) and have been appointed to the priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).

And finally, I love the picture verse six paints. More traditional versions say “Surely, goodness and mercy follow me . . .” but the NLT chose the word pursues to use in place of follow. While similar in nature, one gives the impression they trail behind while the other makes me want to slow down so they can catch me. And isn’t that the point of the whole Psalm?

Slow down, God’s already provided everything you need.

Slow down, you’re going to miss the beautiful meadows and quiet streams.

Slow down, the Almighty wants to renew your strength and show you the right path for your life.

Slow down, don’t run ahead of your Protector in the dark.

Slow down, a feast has been prepared for you, a great banquet is waiting for you, one that will make your enemies envious.

Slow down, Jesus pursues you with His goodness and his mercy, but you keep moving so fast he can’t keep up.

Slow down, you’ve been invited to live in the King’s house, to reside there as His child, to bask in His provisions and enjoy His blessings, so you can have strength to return to the world and find your siblings, the ones the enemy has convinced to run. Take a moment to rest in the quiet so you can help someone else find the beauty of Christ’s Kingdom.

If you’re looking for something to help you quiet your soul,
Try these devotionals

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