Sometimes you hear people say, “it’s in the Bible.” But what you don’t know is what they are thinking as they read a passage. There are few Psalms that are more popular than the 23rd Psalm. Here are some different angles from which it can be read–both serious and slightly sardonic.
Psalm 23 from several perspectives
Psalm 23 Adapted
I would offer a slight adaption of the 23rd Psalm as a framework for expressing our wonder at the grace of God in our midst and the lavish love that God has showered on us in our journey of faith. Where I have substituted First Community Church for the pronoun, I invite you to replace the name of your church.
“The Lord is First Community Church’s shepherd, FCC shall not want.”
If that is true, that FCC does not lack anything necessary as long as God is shepherding you, what does that say to you about your ministry? Even in times of stress, can you trust God’s care of you?
“(God) makes FCC lie down in green pastures; (God) leads FCC beside still waters: (God) restores FCC’s soul.”
Look at the ways that God has provided your church with experiences of restoration. Strive to avail yourself of those moments of rest and restoration.
(God) leads FCC in right paths for his name’s sake.
If God is leading you in right paths, what are some of those paths that beckon to you as a congregation? Where do you feel the nudge of God?
“Even though FCC walks through the darkest valley, FCC fears no evil; for you are with FCC; your rod and your staff — they comfort FCC”
Review some of the dark moments in your history and upon reflection how have you been both prodded (the rod) and rescued (the staff) from those experiences. Does that history provide you some comfort and strength that you are not alone in this journey?
“(God) prepares a table before FCC in the presence of FCC’s enemies; God anoints FCC’s head with oil; FCC’s cup overflows.”
All churches have negative experiences or opposition that acts like an enemy to their practice of the faith. Sometimes it is people, or the values of society, or the conditions that surround you. It may even be a negative spirit among some of the members. Even in the midst of such experiences, there have been moments of joy and celebration. It might be a liturgical event, like Easter, or it may be a birthday of an elderly member that is recognized. Maybe it is just a good church picnic in which you just enjoy the pleasures of eating and fellowshipping together. Whatever it is, how have you allowed those experiences to interrupt the power of negativity and reminded you of the joy of faith?
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow FCC all the days of her life, and FCC shall dwell in the house of the Lord her whole life long.”
God has been with you at the beginning of your journey as a faith community and will be with you at the end. How can you affirm that faith as a congregation?
HOWEVER, YOU CAN ALSO PLAY AROUND WITH THE pSALM AND HEAR A DIFFERENT MESSAGE.
Occasionally a little sarcasm can awaken you to some new awareness.
Psalm 23 for Narcissistic Pastor
I’ve been called as Shepherd of this church.
I should have all my needs provided for.
Make me lie down in pastures of admiration and praise.
Lead me beside still waters to slake my thirst.
Provide me plenty of private time to restore my creative genius,
As I lead the people in the right paths I have chosen.
Even when society is experiencing conflict and trouble,
My people should not be afraid,
I am with them,
My wisdom and guidance should comfort them.
They should provide a rich banquet of salary and benefits
That are the envy of my competitive colleagues.
I should be seen as God’s anointed one,
An example of how faith leads to prosperity.
Surely the congregation shall shower me with love and praise
And my reputation will follow me
Through a long pastorate into a comfortable retirement.
Or you might be frustrated with how your congregation is too concerned with itself and not the mission to which God has called her.
Psalm 23 for a Narcissistic Congregation
If our pastor is a good Shepherd, we should not want.
You should provide a comfortable community life
And lead us to find still waters of peace.
Make us feel it is well with our souls
And lead us in paths that make us feel righteous
And loved by God.
When we walk through difficult valleys at home or work,
Calm our fears.
Use your rod to chastise our enemies
And your staff to pull us out of difficult moments.
Spread a rich table of activities before us
That entertain and delight us.
Affirm and praise us continually
And encourage our success.
Help us to feel good about ourselves and be extra kind when we mess up.
Inspire a balanced budget and new members like us,
So that we can be a successful congregation forever.
OR CONSIDER PSALM 23 AS A MISSION STATEMENT FOR YOUR CONGREGATION
Psalm 23 for a Faithful Congregation
With the Lord as our shepherd, we should trust God for our needs.
God will provide pastures of nurture
And always help us to discover the centering still waters of peace.
We shall trust in God to continually restore our souls
And lead us in right paths
That give glory to God’s name.
Even when we experience trouble and conflict as a congregation,
We should not be afraid.
God’s chastising word and forgiving mercy shall comfort us.
God shall provide us with moments of celebration even in difficult times.
God’s anointing call shall strengthen us
And the memory of God’s blessings shall give us courage for the future.
Surely God’s goodness and grace shall triumph in our lives,
And we shall grow in faith from all circumstances our whole life long.
SOME OF THESE IDEAS ARE EXPLORED IN THE SOON TO BE PUBLISHED “CLERGY SPIRITUAL HEALTH.”
