Seasons

A Reflection on the Psalm for November 22nd, 2020:
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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Psalm 23

R. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. 

R. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff — they comfort me. 

R. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup over-flows. 

R. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. 

R. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

I wouldn’t hesitate to say that Psalm 23 is the most popular psalm in the Bible and is even among the most popular scripture verses. Many reflections have been written on this Psalm. It has been read or sung at countless funerals and comes up several times in our liturgical year. When I googled Psalm 23, there was an arms-length of information to choose from, so much to read that I didn’t even know where to start. So instead, I took a shower.

I often retreat to my shower when I have to think. I find the soothing sound of the water and the heat and steam in my lungs clears the way for God to speak. What I began to think about was the seasons of life: What season was King David in when he wrote this psalm? It seems there is no concrete answer to this question. No one really knows where or when he penned these time-transcending words. 

He may have been in the springtime of his life, a young shepherd boy who was relating his own life to that of his God. Maybe as he was tending his sheep, fighting off predators, and searching for them when they went astray —  maybe he thought about how God did that for him. When David was using his shepherd’s rod and staff, he may have thought about the times when God was urging him down the right path.

Maybe he was in a summer season of growth and maturity where God was calling him to lead His people to peace and prosperity through a life of obedience to Him. Where the pastures are green and the waters still and tranquil. 

Or he could have been in the fall of his life; a time when God was telling him that He will be the protector and guide. That even though the times may be dark, David had nothing to fear because God was with him, protecting him from his enemies. 

And as winter is approaching, God promises that He will look after all the fine details. That He will prepare a table for him and fill his cup with all the blessings of a life lived by His side. 

Let us pray that no matter what season of life we find ourselves in, we can rest assured that God’s goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives. 

Amen

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Maxine Brown

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