September 4, 2025
When I was in seminary, we were taught to dig into a text not only for its meaning in its time but also for its meaning and importance in our own day. What does a particular text have to say to our congregation on a given Sunday?
One way we were taught to do this was by paraphrasing the passage. Putting it in our own words. When we did so, it helped us understand how the text was still speaking to us.
This month, I have paraphrased four different psalms, one for each Thursday. These are paraphrases more than exact translations. They are closer to an impressionist painting than a polaroid picture. I encourage you to read the original text and then my paraphrase. Where do you think I got it right? Where have I strayed from the usual meaning of the text?
Then, I invite you paraphrase the psalm yourself. How close do you think you got to the original intention of the psalmist? How much did you have to change it before it spoke to your heart?
Today’s psalm is one of the most popular and best known. I have paraphrased it in a way that I think is faithful to the original and yet also speaks to me and my circumstances. Does it speak to you? What would you keep or change?
The Lord God is my life-long Outward Bound instructor and guide, ensuing I have everything my journey needs.
God Leads me away from the steep mountains to the gently rolling plains and clear streams, refreshing my spirit.
Out of respect for God’s honor and reputation, God guides me towards well-marked trails.
Even when I am making my way through dangerous landscape, replete with perils, threats, and even death, I fear nothing. Just the knowledge that God is stronger than any evil force and is willing to pull me from perfidious entanglements is very comforting.
Holy God, even when I am surrounded by people who wish me ill you ensure I have more than enough to get by. Anyone looking at me can tell that I am blessed. The great river of our mutual love cannot help but overflow its banks.
I have no doubt that your goodness and love will be my constant companion, and that I will dwell with you always, both in this world and the next.
