Psalm 23: "The Lord is My Mentor"



Here is another paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm, written by J. Ellen Felder.


The Lord is my mentor, my counselor, my teacher. I shall not be left on my own to figure out my problems with my limited understanding. He implores me to trust Him for His knowledge, His ability, and His faithfulness. My teacher trains me to listen in quietness, that I might hear Him speak.

In the midst of my daily struggles, He brings calm to my anxious heart and peace to my turbulent situations. In full sight of those with impure motives, He provides more than my needs--allowing me to drink from the pool of His goodness, because He favors me.

Down the best path—the one right for me—He guides me with His gentle hand. But sometimes, when I think I have a better plan, I turn aside to follow an enticing whim. It's those times that I find myself walking though deep and anxious valleys of strife and frustration, of fear and uncertainty—overwhelmed by my situations. He comes after me, and in compassion, redirects me to the best path.

Throughout my life, tragic and difficult things happen, over which I have no foreknowledge or ability to intervene. But He's in control; He's ever-watchful and working. My Lord takes no days off and never sleeps.

If I think myself alone, I'm not; He's right there with me. Nothing happens in my life that He's not personally aware of every minute detail, motive, and secondary plot. I'm able to relax in the comfort of His wisdom, advice, presence, and care.

My Lord protects our relationship and keeps confidences. All my secrets are known to Him; our fellowship is sweet and comfortable. When I visit with Him and anticipate His attention, I'm satisfied with more than I
 can contain. The overflow naturally finds its way to others around me.

In the present, I'm well-cared for and loved, nestled-in with Him. My future days are confident--secure in my relationship with Him. How wonderful is His loving kindness to me today and every day to come.

—J. Ellen Fedder, posted on Associated Content from Yahoo.  

For more paraphrases of Psalm 23, click on Psalm 23 in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

For more worship resources for Good Shepherd Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Easter), click on Easter 4 at the right side of the page.