1 The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always.
2 He provides me rest in rich, green fields
beside streams of refreshing water.
He soothes my fears;
3 He makes me whole again,
steering me off worn, hard paths
to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name.
4 Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness,
I am not overcome by fear.
Because You are with me in those dark moments,
near with Your protection and guidance,
I am comforted.
5 You spread out a table before me,
provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies;
You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil,
filling my cup again and again with Your grace.
6 Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me
where I go, always, everywhere.
I will always be with the Eternal,
in Your house forever.
I’ve posted this in the past, as it is one of my versions of this particular Psalm. (The Voice is a little known translation of the Bible, supposedly written to be more engaging).
I shall leave it to the reader to decide whether or not they like the translation. I just know that this is one particular Psalm that I think they did a great job with. Actually, more than just that one Psalm. But, enough of that…
In verse 2, the Psalmist says “He soothes my fears.” Amen to that. When I stop trying to take control, figure every little thing out and fix every seemingly insurmountable problem on my own and leave it to the purview of God’s care, I seem to make out pretty well! What about warn, hard paths in verse 3? I’ve been down some of those. Nothing more need be said about that! I love that God is referred to as the “Eternal” throughout. It reminds me of the temporary nature of this life and the eternity that He has planted in my heart.
Anyway, that’s enough said about this wonderful version of a wonderful Psalm. I hope you take as much comfort and enjoyment out of this rendering as I have.
Loving Jesus 