Psalm 23 comes around frequently. It appeared just six weeks ago, when we were wondering if lockdown was for real. Here we are now in waters that are artificially still, yet they are troubled not far below the surface. This psalm takes us into a new dimension of stillness, a banquet of hopeful opportunity in … Continue reading Psalm 23, 3 May ’20
Tag: shepherd
Psalm 23, 22 March 20
What better offering than Psalm 23 as our communities shut down in the face of the global pandemic? Even though I walk in the shadow of the valley of death, I shall fear no evil. For you are with me. So read, enjoy, sing, meditate upon this great song. Needless to say, there are hundreds … Continue reading Psalm 23, 22 March 20
Psalm 23, 22 April 18
Following the desolation of Psalm 22 (“Why have you forsaken me?”), the restoration and peace in this next psalm is a comfort. How sweet is resolution after a time of conflict, oppression or depression. The Psalter does not say ‘No pain, no gain’. This would be inconsistent with the concept of grace. But its songs often reflect … Continue reading Psalm 23, 22 April 18
Psalm 80, 3 Dec ’17
Psalm 80 by Asaph is a cry for restoration by the ‘Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock’. (1) As strife continues all around, the singer seeks a more peaceable zone, perhaps by the still waters and safe pastures of other familiar psalms. Asaph, as usual, had a historical situation in mind; but the psalm … Continue reading Psalm 80, 3 Dec ’17
Psalm 23, 26 March and 7 May ’17
The Shepherd psalm arises again in another of its frequent appearances. Following the desolation of Psalm 22 (“Why have you forsaken me?”), the restoration and peace in this the next psalm is a comfort. How sweet is resolution after a time of conflict, oppression or depression. The Psalter does not say ‘No pain, no gain’. This … Continue reading Psalm 23, 26 March and 7 May ’17
Psalm 80, 18 Dec 2016
Note: Previous posts on this psalm (see index) were limited by a selective local music agenda for the day. This post broadens and integrates those comments for more general applicability. At South Woden this year, we decided that Psalm 80 would be displaced by other Advent readings and carols. Pity in a way, since coincidentally we celebrate two 80th birthdays on this … Continue reading Psalm 80, 18 Dec 2016
Psalm 23, 17 April 2016
On Good Friday we noted that, in the midst of darkness of Psalm 22 (why have you forsaken me?), the restoration and peace in the next psalm was not far away. So here they are, those pastures green and cup overflowing of Psalm 23. How sweet is resolution after a time of conflict, oppression or depression. The Psalter does … Continue reading Psalm 23, 17 April 2016
Psalms 130 and 23, 9 August 2015
Psalm 130 pops up again this Sunday, just 6 weeks after we listened to Sinead's Out of the depths. We are going to repeat that same song -- its beautiful simplicity sustains the message perfectly. The visit by The Gospel Folk brings not only their inspiring songs but also the excuse to focus the gathering on music. … Continue reading Psalms 130 and 23, 9 August 2015
Psalm 23, 26 April 2015
Well, who needs an intro to Psalm 23 and the still waters? Over the years this Blog has taken several angles, from the quiet waters to the light-hearted. Do you remember Things that comfort me? Two previous entries on this lovely psalm appeared in 2014, and it's tempting on this year's appearance to just say: 'Yep, the post for … Continue reading Psalm 23, 26 April 2015
Psalm 23, 11 May 14
The 'Shepherd Psalm' needs no introduction or commentary here, so none is offered. If you have the vague feeling that you have read that somewhere previously, it's just the post for 30 March, unashamedly copied almost holus-bolus. Music You may imagine this psalm to be irrevocably associated with Jessie Irving's famous tune CRIMOND. This week however, not the … Continue reading Psalm 23, 11 May 14
Psalms in the South 