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My Thoughts On Psalm 23

Beside the still waters he leadeth me Shepherd of my wandering soul I do not want for anything, you see, My shepherd has made me whole. I have walked the treacherous path But I did not need to be afraid The rod and staff my shepherd hath I can lie down in both sun and shade. When I am tired and, oh, so weary He renews my spirit, replenishing, Restoring my spirit when I am dreary Goodness and mercy are my finishing. I shall dwell in the house of the Lord And drink of the living water of life The shepherd gives to all his adored Who seek peace and flee from strife. Written June 3, 2021 #40 on Best New Poems List Poetry Soup June 10, 2021

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Michelle Morris

Date: 12/29/2022 2:39:00 AM

Rest in peace, Milton. Gone but not forgotten. Enjoy poetry with the angels. Blessings, love and light.

Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 12/28/2022 11:34:00 AM

Rest in His arms Milton, you wrote this beautiful piece, you knew how I loved it. It shines on like a jewel now, leaving a comforting nod toward the eternal hope that you held in your heart even after your departure from this world.

Samuel Bradley

Date: 12/28/2022 11:01:00 AM

Thanks for the most heartfelt words, I knew not of you personally, My best wishes on your travels, Your poetry came joining the morning birds, With us now everlasting. I cherish your peaceful harmony Our friend

Dick Tugwell

Date: 2/27/2022 7:48:00 AM

Beautiful, Milton. The words are familiar yet fresh and speak anew the comfort we find in walking with the Lord. This challenges me to put Psalm 22, my favorite, to verse. Thank you for the inspiration. -- DT

L Milton Hankins
Date: 2/27/2022 7:51:00 AM

You are so welcome, Dick. It was a joy hearing from you and knowing you read my poem.

Ann Peck

Date: 12/16/2021 1:19:00 PM

That's just beautiful, Milton.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/16/2021 4:27:00 PM

Thanks, Ann, you must be going back to some of my older poems. I wrote that one some time ago!

Linda Craddick

Date: 9/7/2021 12:50:00 PM

This is a beautiful poem. It reminds me of younger years when I was a true believer and found solace in prayer. The current world situation has turned me a bit sour and angry. I hope to get my faith back.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/7/2021 1:12:00 PM

I understand perfectly, Linda. I have gone through some of the same questioning. Thanks so much for sharing and for your thoughtful comment.

Ann Peck

Date: 9/5/2021 9:52:00 AM

That's beautiful and soothing, Milton, and so very well written.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/5/2021 12:24:00 PM

Thank you so much, Ann. I enjoyed working with the Twenty-Third Psalm. It is so beautiful.

James Horn

Date: 6/14/2021 6:59:00 AM

To want will never with God Who I always love and laud; All of my sins, He has shod; Threw into sea big and brood. Now they are no longer here; Hell is where did disappear; Forever with God has been, Who saved me from all sin.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/14/2021 8:42:00 AM

Thank you, James, for your poetic response.

Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 6/11/2021 2:15:00 PM

Beautiful, I felt rested as I read your beautiful write of Psalm 23. We as a family read this Psalm to my dad as he was dying, and he uttered his last word when we were finished, "Victory." This Psalm means a lot to me. To live the promise in this world of strife, and not just to reserve it for the dying is incredibly refreshing.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/11/2021 2:37:00 PM

Thank you so much, BJ, for reading my take on Psalm 23. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and especially so that it has special meaning for you.

Alexis Y.

Date: 6/8/2021 4:29:00 AM

Hi L, Milton, I read your thoughts on Ps 23, and I've finally got around to commenting on it. You penned such a real prayer, it came from a place of gratitude. Ps 23 is one of my books in the Bible. You did well. Have a great day:-) Alexis

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/8/2021 11:02:00 AM

Thanks so much, Alexis. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 6/5/2021 5:22:00 AM

I think you should add this to your sermon this week "Restoring my spirit when I am dreary Goodness and mercy is my finishing."

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/8/2021 11:01:00 AM

If I were still writing sermons, I probably would, Caren. Thanks for the kind thoughts.

Robert L. Hinshaw

Date: 6/4/2021 2:17:00 PM

Splendid write, Milton. If it were possible this should be published in the Bible as the 151st Psalm! Bob

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/8/2021 11:01:00 AM

Oh, thanks, Robert, but I wouldn't go that far!!!!

Joanna Daniel

Date: 6/4/2021 9:02:00 AM

This is going to my faves, Milton, I have often thought about trying one on Psalm 23, I see you beat me to it:) amazing psalm:)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/4/2021 9:22:00 AM

No, Jo, I didn't beat you to it. I hope you will write one, too, with your impressions of that wonderful psalm. It's the only one I know from memory.

Beata Agustin

Date: 6/4/2021 4:37:00 AM

Thanks for sharing this... God-exalting and faith-edifying. God bless you.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/4/2021 7:39:00 AM

Thank you so much, Beata.

Judy Ball

Date: 6/3/2021 10:00:00 PM

WoW! Milton! Number One With A Bullet. Love this. Explains the whole core of the 23rd Psalm. Super write and a fave for me. God Bless, JB

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/4/2021 7:39:00 AM

Thank you, JB, for your thoughtful comment.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 6/3/2021 6:19:00 PM

Sweet, pleasant, and rich with faith and meaning. Superb, Milt! :) gw

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/3/2021 7:03:00 PM

Thanks so much, Gershon, and thanks again for your really thoughtful tribute poem. I'm still reeling over it. So pleased. You are really a very thoughtful person, G.W., and I consider you a strong PS friend! Have a great weekend. I'm off to Florida for a long weekend...be back Tuesday.

David Mchattie

Date: 6/3/2021 5:00:00 PM

Well penned as usual. But don't forget the sinners. They are loved... after all... he made so many. By far my favorite psalm. Have a great day my friend.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/3/2021 7:08:00 PM

Yes we are. We are all sinners, David...everyone of us. Even those who claim righteousness and holiness, they are still sinning every day!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/3/2021 7:01:00 PM

Thanks so much, David. I really appreciated your comment.