At our ecumenical Bible study a few weeks ago, our leader challenged us to read the 23rd Psalm every day for a month.

I decided to take the challenge and just passed 30 days today! I read it the Living Bible translation, which I tend to like.

Most of us know the first verse, "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want!" But we tend to 'want' a lot of stuff.

This translation says, "Because the Lord is My Shepherd, I have everything I need!" "Need' is much different than 'want'.

Here is the 'whole' chapter; pretty short:

 "Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

"He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

^"Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.

"You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest;
blessings overflow!

"Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home."

Notice how David (writer) goes from talking 'about' his Shepherd in the first few verses to talking 'to' the Shepherd in the last part. David's need became bigger as his need intensified!