Psalm 23

A psalm of David God {cares for} me {like} a shepherd {cares for his sheep}, {so} I {know that I} will have everything that I need. 2 God nourishes and encourages my inner person and enables me to rest in peace, like a shepherd who leads {his sheep} to places where there is plenty of green grass {for them to eat} and leads them to streams where the water is flowing slowly. \* 3 God renews my strength. He gives me good guidance for how I should live, in order that I, and others, will honor him. \* 4 Even when I am in dangerous and scary circumstances in which evil men might kill or hurt me, I will fear nothing, because you are with me. I feel comforted and reassured because you protect and care for me like a shepherd protects his sheep by using his club and his walking stick to protect them from being attacked by wild animals. \* 5 You {richly} provide food for me and protect me from my enemies. You joyfully welcome me and honor me as people joyfully receive the guests they have invited by pouring olive oil over their heads. You have given me very many blessings! \* 6 I am certain that God will be good to me and will continue to love me faithfully as long as I live. I will worship God in his sanctuary throughout my life. \*