We had a number of messages at meeting today centered around Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul; he leaders me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

There’s a reason this is one of the best-known passages of the Bible, even beyond that being one of the best-known is likely to keep you there. There’s something immediate about that bit about fearing no evil - right here in this moment, there’s the presence of god and if not safety, at least a lack of fear is accessible.

Plus, those green pastures, still waters, paths and valleys and then a feast. I can see and taste and smell the promise of the one who even right now at this moment can speak to my condition.

Now, of course, I also connect to any mention of sheep.

Pickles, one of our wethers, stands near a tree, taking shelter from the heat