Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd...
Eight years ago, a prophetic word was spoken over me that I would become intimately acquainted with the words of Psalm 23. The more I study and meditate on this Psalm, the more that prophetic word is fulfilled. In this season, it is settling deep into the marrow of my bones. I sense it rewriting my DNA and becoming a new paradigm through which I will live my life.
As I was writing Branded, the Holy Spirit led me to break down the verses and words of Psalm 23 into the Hebrew definitions and letters. What emerged was an exquisite picture of our Shepherd and how He cares for us. I pray this expanded version using the Hebrew roots ministers to your soul as it has mine.
Psalm 23, Hebraic Root Version
1The One Who Exists provides, protects, and takes desire in me. Therefore, there is nothing I lack. Because He desires me, my value is never in question.
2He takes me to a comfortable resting place full of beauty where I can bring my desires. In this place, I can be raw as I am threshed to separate all that is in me that is not part of my original identity. It has been a long journey to get here, but now I can rest from working so hard on my own. The journey is unknown, but I trust My Shepherd’s knowledge and authority to guide me through.
3I was taken captive, away from my true home, but He brought me back. It is a complete return home where my whole being—body, soul, and spirit—returns to my original identity. He guides me on the straight path back home as I walk in His cycles of restoration.
4Eventhough I must face my pride and what has snared me, causing bondage and chaos in my life, I will not fear. I choose to be under Your authority as You stand with me as my pillar of strength. You support me in this difficult journey, for I am a branch in the LORD’s family tree.
5You set before me a narrow place through which I must walk to be put back in order so I can be sent out. As I lay on the altar, you burn up all the impurities. Holy Spirit breathes His medicinal ointment on my mind, transforming my character. You cover all my unknowns.
6Grace, beauty, love, health, prosperity, and kindness will follow me all the days of my life; And I will remain a child in the family of the LORD forever.
-from Branded: Awakening the Firebrands of God
May we live our lives under the care of our Shepherd.
Brandee