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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

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Morris Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 2:39 AM
Rest in peace, Milton. Gone but not forgotten. Enjoy poetry with the angels. Blessings, love and light.
Legros Kelley Avatar
December 28, 2022 at 11:34 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.
Bradley Avatar
December 28, 2022 at 11:01 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
Tugwell Avatar
February 27, 2022 at 7:48 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
Hankins Avatar
February 27, 2022 at 7:51 AM
You are so welcome, Dick. It was a joy hearing from you and knowing you read my poem.
Peck Avatar
December 16, 2021 at 1:19 PM
That's just beautiful, Milton.
Hankins Avatar
December 16, 2021 at 4:27 PM
Thanks, Ann, you must be going back to some of my older poems. I wrote that one some time ago!
Craddick Avatar
September 7, 2021 at 12:50 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.
Hankins Avatar
September 7, 2021 at 1:12 PM
I understand perfectly, Linda. I have gone through some of the same questioning. Thanks so much for sharing and for your thoughtful comment.
Peck Avatar
September 5, 2021 at 9:52 AM
That's beautiful and soothing, Milton, and so very well written.
Hankins Avatar
September 5, 2021 at 12:24 PM
Thank you so much, Ann. I enjoyed working with the Twenty-Third Psalm. It is so beautiful.
Horn Avatar
June 14, 2021 at 6:59 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.
Hankins Avatar
June 14, 2021 at 8:42 AM
Thank you, James, for your poetic response.
Legros Kelley Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 2:15 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.
Hankins Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 2:37 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.
Y. Avatar
June 8, 2021 at 4:29 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
Hankins Avatar
June 8, 2021 at 11:02 AM
Thanks so much, Alexis. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Krutsinger Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 5:22 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."
Hankins Avatar
June 8, 2021 at 11:01 AM
If I were still writing sermons, I probably would, Caren. Thanks for the kind thoughts.
Hinshaw Avatar
June 4, 2021 at 2:17 PM
Splendid write, Milton. If it were possible this should be published in the Bible as the 151st Psalm! Bob
Hankins Avatar
June 8, 2021 at 11:01 AM
Oh, thanks, Robert, but I wouldn't go that far!!!!
Daniel Avatar
June 4, 2021 at 9:02 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:)
Hankins Avatar
June 4, 2021 at 9:22 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.
Agustin Avatar
June 4, 2021 at 4:37 AM
Thanks for sharing this... God-exalting and faith-edifying. God bless you.
Hankins Avatar
June 4, 2021 at 7:39 AM
Thank you so much, Beata.
Ball Avatar
June 3, 2021 at 10:00 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
Hankins Avatar
June 4, 2021 at 7:39 AM
Thank you, JB, for your thoughtful comment.
Wolf Avatar
June 3, 2021 at 6:19 PM
Sweet, pleasant, and rich with faith and meaning. Superb, Milt! :) gw
Hankins Avatar
June 3, 2021 at 7:03 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.
Mchattie Avatar
June 3, 2021 at 5:00 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.
Hankins Avatar
June 3, 2021 at 7:08 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!
Hankins Avatar
June 3, 2021 at 7:01 PM
Thanks so much, David. I really appreciated your comment.
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