Psalm 23-In the Presence of My Enemies
by Rosemarie Adcock
This painting is a representation of the most well-known and beloved of the Psalms, Psalm 23. The figure of a woman walks in the night on a path through a lush forest surrounded by deadly venomous snakes, such as the coral snakes and rattlesnakes to her right and left, while carrying a gold chalice and a gold bowl filled with fruit for a banquet. She sees the snakes as she looks at them from the corner of her eye, yet she keeps walking. The painting, like the Psalm, speaks of God’s provision and care even during times of extreme hardship and difficulty.
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23