Here is another paraphrase of the 2 3
It is the LORD who is my shepherd—my constant companion.
What more could I want? I shall never lack what I need.
His care over me brings such satisfaction, comfort and security
that I am able to lie down and rest in pastures of tender grass
—pleasant places of habitation.
He goes before me to the places that I fear
and leads me beside still pools of water
—waters of quietness
—pools that He has prepared for me
—places where my thirst might be quenched without fear of harm,
for He has gone before me to minimize the danger.
He brings back my vitality. My breath returns. My desire is renewed.
He restores my mind, my will and my emotions—my very soul.
The path on which He guides me is the right way,
yet it is a meandering path with many twists and turns.
Nevertheless, I find great consolation in knowing
that it is He who leads me,
and He leads me in such a way that His name,
authority and character will be honored.
Even though this path may take me through
the valley of the shadow of death
—the place of great danger and uncertainty
—the very place where others have come to ruin
and some have even been swept away,
I will fear no calamity, for you are with me.
Even your rod is a comfort to me,
for I remember the times when you have driven the foxes away.
How it comforts me to know
that you will always be there to defend your own.
Even your staff is a comfort to me,
for I remember how you have often rescued me.
I remember the times when I began to stray,
and you were careful to correct me,
making certain that I not become separated from the flock.
I am even comforted by the sound of your staff
tapping on the rocks up ahead,
for when I hear that sound, I know which way to go.
You prepare a banquet before me,
but it is not for me alone that you prepare it.
You have enabled me to sit down in the midst of my enemies
and even be reconciled with them and eat in peace with them.
You comfort me in my affliction by rubbing my head with oil.
This is more than I can contain!
My cup overflows!
As I reflect on how you have so greatly cared for me,
I must draw this conclusion:
For the rest of my life,
goodness, mercy and kindness will hunt for me wherever I go,
and beyond this life,
I will make my habitation in the sheepfold of the Lord forever.
Throughout all eternity,
You, O LORD, will always be my shepherd.
—© 2 01 0
For more paraphrases of Psalm 2 3
click on Psalm 2 3
at the lower right side of the page.
For more worship resources for Good Shepherd Sunday,
(the fourth Sunday of Easter),
click on Easter 4 at the right side of the page.
