(NLT) Psalm 23:1-4 The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley,* I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
5a You prepare a feast for me (You go out of Your way to find the finest foods from around the world, the freshest fruits and vegetables, the sweetest of honey from the best of honeycombs, the most nourishing of delecacies in earth’s kingdom realm. You make it look like You are my Servant and I am the master, but I know You too well. Your love overwhelms me because Your’s is a sacrificial love, and You take great delight in showing the mercies of the Father to me, Your child!)
5b in the presence of my enemies. (You”ve purposely brought every unbelieving enemy to watch me eat at Your table! You’ve gone around the world just to drive my enemies to the grandstands to watch me eat Your provisions, Your storehouse of goods and choicest meats, salads, prime rib and filet mignon!)
5c You honor me by anointing me with oil. (The honor You deserve, You purposely pour over me, treating me like some great celebrity! I don’t deserve this treatment, but You want me to sense what true honor feels like, looks like, sounds like. You choose to anoint my head, like Aaron was anointed, and like King David was anointed; with the purest of olive oil.)
5d My cup overflows with blessings. (The cup of honor and blessing that belongs to You, You push in front of me! I cannot fathom the humility it takes for One like You to do such an act of kindness! Psalm 8 describes me, LORD, yet You, take my place and give me Yours in this amazing setting. Why? I cannot grasp the significance of Your favor — it’s too good, too kind, too much! I only receive it by faith and turn it all back on You, LORD! You deserve all the glory and honor and praise, forever and forever!)