Psalm 23

 1The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

4Even though I walk

through the darkest valley, ^a

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

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Thoughts: If this is not your favorite Psalm, it is one that you are familiar with.  It is the most familiar and quoted Psalm.  While Jesus did not quote this Psalm, he livedThe i it.  He pointed out the lilies of the field in the green pastures.  He often preached beside the still waters of Galilee.  He may have thought about being in the valley of the shadow of death in Gethsemane (the Kidron Valley), or on the cross itself.  He may have thought about preparing a table in the presence of his enemies when he ate at the Pharisees' house or when he ate and drank with "sinners."  His title "Messiah" (meaning "anointed one") refers to being anointed.  Jesus basked in the goodness of the Lord, and He always had hope and even prophesied that the Father would raise Him from the dead.  
But this Psalm rings true to all of our souls.  God gives us the peace, poetically described as green pastures and still waters.  God sees us through the valley of death on to the other side.  God delivers us from our enemies, and we have hope in the goodness of the Lord in this life and that we will dwell/live with Him where He is forever.  

For the missionary, this Psalm is a well worn passage.  Many missionaries quote this Psalm in their memoirs.  But in terms of telling others, this passage talks about the peace God can give, the assurance (even in trouble) God gives, the hope of God.  The peace and contentment found here is vapid without God.  

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are my shepherd.  Help me to tell others to join the flock and to experience your peace and guidance and hope.