My Father, My Shepherd
A psalm of David.
David the shepherd writes about being fathered: fed, watered, brought back when his soul flags, walked through the valley of deep shadow without fear, then seated at a table set in front of his enemies. Goodness does not merely follow him — it pursues him.
23 1My Father is my shepherd; I lack nothing. 2In green pastures he lets me lie down; beside quiet waters he leads me. 3He restores my soul; he guides me in paths of righteousness for the sake of his name. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of my Father forever.