I have tried to read Shakespeare several times, but I get stuck in that ancient language every time. I wonder what a re-casting of his language would be like? It’s the same thing for some people with the old translations of the Bible. As beautiful as the King James language is, it’s hard for some folks to grasp meanings and teachings. We are very fortunate to have several very good translations, some done with careful scholarship and others done with the intent of helping us hear the texts in common, everyday language. In fact, some efforts are more paraphrase than translation. One of those, The Message created by Eugene Peterson, is a very readable contemporary form that is often very helpful in pointing us toward understanding. I invite you to meditate today on the beautiful Psalm 23 as given to us in The Message.
God, my shepherd!
I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley,
I am not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head:
my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
May you find comfort and confidence
in the new words of ancient scripture.
Shining Spirit 
Yes. The Lord is my shephard.