The 23rd Psalm

This week’s lesson on LOVE is particularly inspiring and so relevant. Thank you to those who put together the weekly lessons. They are truly inspiring.

I recently spent some time looking at the 23rd Psalm in detail. The following are some observations, followed by my adapted version:

[DIVINE LOVE] is my shepherd; I like the definition of the verb, “to shepherd” which is to guide or direct in a particular direction. I shall not want. Want can be seen as a human desire. I shall have no human desires, Divine Love will lead me.

[LOVE] maketh me to lie down in green pastures: .This is forceful. I am compelled by Love to lie down or submit to God’s care and accept God’s abundance.

[LOVE] leadeth me beside the still waters. Still waters signify a place of trust where I can focus on Love with no distractions and come to know I am at one with God.

[LOVE] restoreth my soul [spiritual sense] To restore is to return something to it’s original condition. To see the reality of myself as spiritual.

[LOVE] leadeth me in the paths of righteousness Definition of righteousness: decency, integrity, innocence. Love is leading me. I am following in Love’s footsteps for His name’s sake. For the glory of God.

Yea, though I walk through the valley Mrs Eddy defines Valley as Depression and Darkness of the shadow of death, A shadow cannot produce substance, so death is not real. I will fear no evil corporeal sense, mortal mind for [LOVE] is with me; [LOVE’S] rod The rod is a weapon to protect sheep and signifies protection against mortal mind and [LOVE’S] staff The staff is used to help and guide the sheep so signifies God’s Love and care for me they comfort me. the Greek root of “comfort” is “to call”. Also to encourage.

[LOVE] prepareth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Love sustains me regardless of what mortal mind suggests. [LOVE] anointeth my head with oil This was an ancient sign of protection. The anointed one is also the Chosen One. My cup runneth over. Love is unlimited. All my needs are met.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life Because I follow in the footsteps of Love, goodness and mercy will automatically follow me. I am therefore, surrounded front and back, by Love; aand I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [LOVE] for ever.

Based on the above, I have adapted the Psalm to read as follows:

[DIVINE LOVE] is guiding me; I shall have no human desires, Divine Love will lead me.

[LOVE] compels me to submit to God’s care. I follow in Love’s footsteps and know I am at one with God:

[LOVE] is, and always has been Spiritual Sense: I follow in Love’s footsteps of decency, integrity and innocence. Not for my glory but For the glory of God.

Yea, though I walk through depression and darkness, these have no substance. There is no death. I will fear no corporeal sense or mortal mind: for [LOVE] is with me; [LOVE’S] rod challenges and protects me from mortal mind and [LOVE’S] staff guides me forward, Love calls me and encourages me.

[LOVE] sustains me regardless of what mortal mind suggests. All my needs are met. [LOVE] protects me. Love has chosen me. Love is unlimited.

Because I follow in the footsteps of Love, goodness and mercy will follow me. I am surrounded by Love; and I will dwell in [the consciousness] of [LOVE] for ever.