*This is dedicated to my mom. When I hear it, I hear her voice reading this to me as a child.

It is helpful for me to remember that this is a SONG of David. The Psalms are meant to appeal to my emotions (like songs do). When I read this Psalm in that spirit, it causes me to rest.

Psalm 23. A Psalm of David.

INTRO: DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS SHEPHERD

1 The Lord [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

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

3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

TRANSITION: DAVID SINGS TO HIS SHEPHERD

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS PRESENCE IN DARK VALLEYS 4 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.

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS PRESENCE AMIDST HIS ENEMIES 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS POSITION, POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER ENEMIES you anoint my head with oil [position, power and authority];

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT ABUNDANT BLESSINGS my cup overflows [filled to the brim].

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT ABUNDANT BLESSINGS OF ENDLESS GOODNESS AND MERCY 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

...DAVID SINGS ABOUT THE LENGTH OF ABUNDANCE and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.