Living Beyond Consumer Demand: A Reflection On Psalm 23.pdf

The 23rd Psalm, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want," is a comforting and reassuring passage that resonates deeply with people. It is often recited at funerals and times of death, but on this occasion, it is the appointed Psalm for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost. The Psalm has a unique structure, with 26 words and an expression that is repeated, emphasizing the affirmation that "God is with us." This is at the heart of the Christian faith, as seen in the Gospels, where Jesus Christ is referred to as "God with us."

The experience of being in a relationship with God is one of not wanting, as God promises to provide for our needs. The Psalm describes God's provision as green pastures, still waters, and overflowing cups, indicating that our thirst will be satisfied and we will be safe. The language of the Psalm shifts from third person to second person, emphasizing the personal relationship between God and the Psalmist.

In contrast to the message of our culture, which emphasizes scarcity and wanting, God says, "You shall not want." This is a message of abundance and freedom, where God's gifts are given freely and not earned or deserved. This is the essence of God's grace, which is the central theme of the Lutheran expression of Christianity.

The Christian disciplines of prayer, Bible study, meditation, silence, worship, service, fasting, and generosity help strengthen our relationship with God and make us accident prone, meaning we are more likely to experience a close encounter with God. Our response to God's generosity is to be generous ourselves, using the gifts we have been given to make a positive impact on the world.

The spiritual discipline of generosity changes our hearts and moves us closer to God. It is not that our treasure follows our heart, but rather our heart follows our treasure. This is the same centering that we experience when we come to the table to receive bread and wine from God's abundance, and the promise is fulfilled: "God with us – this is my body, this is my blood." We celebrate at the table God has prepared for us.