Psalm 23
A councilor once reported that when he treated patients with mild depression or anxiety, he prescribed reading Psalm 23 twice a day, mornings and evenings. Patients were instructed to not memorize and recite the Psalm but to carefully, intentionally, and slowly read it. He reported that the vast majority of those who did as directed experienced improvement or, in many cases, complete alleviation of their symptoms.
This ought not surprise us. Peace of heart and soul would be the result as we realize that the Lord is in control (vs. 1-3). He is not distant but close, and if we are close to Him, we are in a good place. We also see He is actually actively caring for us (vs 4-5). Even in the worst of circumstances, He is actively shepherding us. Beyond all this, He wants to keep us close and safe (v. 6). “Goodness and mercy” follow us. “Follow” is the word that can describe how a wolf tracks and pursues prey. Think of ‘goodness’ and ‘mercy’ as two sheepdogs bringing us back to the shepherd when and if we wander off. But we are not left in a pen but live in the house. With such a life, how could depression and anxiety maintain their control?
“Lord, help me to realize the great life I have as a sheep in Your care. AMEN.”
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