Psalm (Hymn; poetic or prayerful expression; song) 23 (the twenty-third prayer, song in the Psalms)
3 He (the One and only true Friend who is eteranally abiding like no other, yet sends friends our way who likewise befriend us like He does) renews (enlivens and refreshes, restores and lifts) my strength (inner being and physical stature; Isa. 40:31; upholds me and secures my well being).
He guides me along right paths ( endeavors to bekon me in ways that will keep me trusting and relying on Him; faithfully walking so that my walk is firm and solid; though rough at times, the paths He takes are always better, always easier, always rewarding; bringing honor to his name (raising His standard and banner high; wafting His praises to the highest of heavens, covering Him with recognition and humble exhortation due to His great name)
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley (though it seems unbelievably wrong, His way is always better than any way without His guidance; though I want to run, I choose to walk through every dark, dreary, deathly place, knowing He is with me; any ‘death valley’ is only a temporary one, for I lean into His strong arms; nothing holds me like He holds me.
I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me (I choose to be brave, like Gideon; I choose to trust You, Lord, like a son embraced by his father, like a grandchild held dear in the arms and heart of a grandmother, You, Lord hold me in Your hands and heart;
Your rod (weapon of choice) and your staff (the crook, walking stick, balancer), protect and comfort me (like an experienced shepherd, nothing can penetrate Your shield of defence as long as I hold to You and trust Your experience in the wild, to care for me).
To be continued…