Psalm 23 stands as a hallmark portion of Scripture for me. Three reasons explain why:

1. Psalm 23 was the first portion of Scripture I memorized. When I was five, my mother taught me the verses for recitation in my kindergarten program. For that reason alone, it will forever be precious.

2. Another reason I love the Shepherd Psalm is that I grew up as a shepherdess; I raised hundreds of sheep. For years, my days were defined by pastures, riverbanks, barns, and feeding troughs, not to mention livestock shows and national competitions. Lessons learned among the flock year in and year out still resonate within me.

3. And now, decades later, when my grandchildren are sleeping in our home, we pray these soothing, life-giving Words at bedtime.

4. The greatest of all reasons for my devotion to Psalm 23 is the Shepherd Himself. Through 74 years of life and across more than 52 years of ministry, the Lord has provided everything I have needed mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. He has restored my soul when no human remedy could repair it, and He has made sure my cup continually overflows with blessings beyond belief. I am confident that goodness and mercy will indeed follow me all the days of my earthly life, and when this journey comes to an end, I will shout “Hallelujah!” knowing that I will dwell with Him forevermore.

So, with joy indescribable, I offer my precious mother’s reading of this beautiful Psalm.