Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me the right path and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name. Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near. Psalm 23:1-4 The Passion Translation
Have you ever noticed how kids have a way of saying exactly what they think? Often what they think is far less caught up in our adult complications as well, allowing them to be quite profound at times. Click the button below to hear Psalm 23 from the perspective of children. Take some time to allow their childlike reading of this beautiful psalm to really sink in.
Normally held in May, Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most prestigious gardening events of the year. Thanks to COVID restrictions it was held in September this year, giving the whole event a very different feel. For the first time The Bible Society commissioned a garden to be designed, built and judged. The brief they gave to Sarah Eberle was Psalm 23. Sarah was thrilled at the opportunity to bring to life her ‘translation’ of Psalm 23.
On the opening day of the flower show, as the press and judges were viewing the gardens, Sally Phillips (a well known British actress) stood and read the entire psalm to the onlooking crowd.
Passersby commented on the feeling of peace and serenity that there was about the garden. Some said it stopped them in their tracks and drew them in.
The Bible Society has gathered a whole raft of testimonies exploring what Psalm 23 means to different people. To listen and find out more visit the Psalm 23 Garden section of The Bible Society’s website here.
Whilst this has been an amazing opportunity to bring God and scripture into Chelsea Flower Show, The Bible Society has taken this opportunity to encourage individuals, communities and churches to build their version of the Psalm 23 Garden.
Why not build one of your own? If you don’t have space why not find a green pasture by still waters to share with a friend? Maybe the challenge to you from this psalm is laying a table for a friend whilst they face something difficult or dark. Or maybe you just need to sit in God’s creation, and remember that he promises to have a place in his house where you can dwell forever.
Rachel is a Missioner in the UK where far too much rain and not enough time leaves her longing to be in the garden. Rachel is the prayer coordinator across the Movement and often finds God in nature…or is it the other way round?
And I will trust in You alone,
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
Stuart Townend, ©1996 Thankyou Music
