Psalm 23
A New Look
These are several personal interpretations of Psalm 23, giving a personal identification of who God is to a variety of people. Many of these interpretations were inspired as the result of a prayer conference with T.W. Hunt at Lakeview Baptist Church, Auburn, Alabama.

A Programmer's
  Psalm 23

The Lord is my programmer,
        I shall not crash.
    He installed his software
        on the hard disk of
        my heart;
all of his commands
        are user-friendly.
His directory guides me
    to the right choices
        for his name's sake.
Even though I scroll
    through the problems
        of life,
I will fear no bugs,
    for he is my backup.
His password protects me.

He prepares a menu
        before me
    in the presence of
        my enemies,
        the hackers.
His help is only a
        keystroke away.
Surely goodness and mercy
        will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and my file will be merged
        with his and saved
    forever.

An Architect's
  Psalm 23

The Lord is my architect,
        I shall not be
        misproportioned.
    He makes me enclose
        beautiful spaces,
he builds me erect
        in tranquility,
    He restores my
        deteriorated parts.
He puts me together
        to reflect righteousness
    for his namesake.
Though I am overshadowed
    by skyscrapers and
        cathedrals,
I will fear no evil,
    for you stay attentive
        to me;
your pencil and creativity,
    they comfort me.

You prepare awards and
        admirations before me
    in the presence of
        my critics.
You cut the red ribbon at
        my entrance;
    my occupants are
        overcome with awe.
Surely goodness and love
        will shine in my windows
    all the days that I stand,
and I will stand in the city
        of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 23 (NIV)

The Lord is my shepherd,
        I shall not be in want.
  He makes me lie down
        in green pastures,
he leads me beside
        quiet waters,
    he restores my soul.
He guides me in
        paths of righteousness
    for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
    through the valley of
        the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table
        before me
    in the presence of         my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love
        will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell
        in the house of the Lord
    forever.

A Trail Guide's
  Psalm 23

The Lord is my trail guide
        I shall not lose
        my way.
    He leads me along the
        straight and
        narrow path,
He goes before me and
        beside me with
        each step,
    He gives me
        new strength
        to continue on.
He allows me to see
        panoramic scenes of
        His creative majesty.
Whether my path winds
    through brilliantly colored
        meadows of flowers or
    upon perilous rocky
        mountain peaks,
I will find peace
        and not be afraid,
    Because He is with me.
His Holy map and
        indwelling compass
    show me the way.

He prepares an awesome
        lookout for me
    in the midst of my hike.
He anoints my head with
        clear mountain
        stream water
    filling my canteen
        to the brim
        and overflowing.
Certainly His guidance
        and care
        will be with me
    all the days of
        my journey,
and I will dwell with Him
        on His Holy mountain
    forever.

  Psalm 23
for the workplace

The Lord is my real boss,
        and I shall not want.
    He gives me peace,
        when chaos is
        all around me.
He gently reminds me
        to pray
        before I speak
        and to do all things
    without murmuring
        and complaining.
He reminds me that
    He is my Source
        and not my job.
He restores my sanity
        every day
    and guides my decisions
        that I might
        honor Him in
        everything I do.
Even though I face
        absurd amounts of
    emails, system crashes,
      unrealistic deadlines,
      budget cutbacks,
      gossiping co-workers,
    discriminating supervisors,
      and an aging body
        that doesn't cooperate
        every morning,
I will not stop--
    for He is with me!
His presence, His peace,
        and His power
    will see me through.
He raises me up,
    even when they
        fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own,
    Even when the company
      threatens to let me go.
His faithfulness and love
      are better
        than any bonus check.
His retirement plan beats
    every 401K there is!
When it's all said and done,
    I'll be working for Him
        a whole lot longer;
and for that,
    I bless His name.

More to come!

Do you have a Psalm 23?
Email it to:
Andrew@Kulp.com