Verse of the Day for June 6

Read verses three and four slowly and listen for a change in grammar. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me. Then, in the valley, it turns. For thou art with me.

Up to this point David has been talking about God. In the shadow he starts talking to him. The valley is where the psalm becomes a prayer.

It is also worth noticing that the valley is on the path. The same shepherd who leadeth me in the paths of righteousness is the one walking with David through the shadow of death. The hard place was not a wrong turn. It was part of the road he was being led on.

That is a comfort when plans change. The job that ended, the move that fell through, the pregnancy that did not go as hoped. A changed plan can feel like being lost. This psalm says you can be in the valley and still be on the path, with God near enough to speak to directly.

Then the table. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. The enemies are still there. Dinner is served anyway. If your plans have collapsed this week, speak to him rather than about him, from wherever you are sitting.

A changed plan does not mean you have left the path.

The table was set while the enemies were still watching.