Psalm 23 As Read To Another

 

How I read Psalm 23 to my Mother as she lay dying of leukemia. Having chosen to fight it at the onset, there came a time when no fight was left in her. Though she was semi-conscious when we arrived, she still had some of her five senses left. She didn't like to be touched; I believe it caused her pain. But some touch was necessary as she needed to be moved around at times. 

She could taste and indicate thirst (by sticking her tongue out a little bit). Since taste and smell are linked physiologically I believe she also retained her sense of smell. And she could hear. So we could talk to her: tell her we loved her, read Scriptures to her, sing to her. My sisters were playing LPs and CDs when we arrived at my sister's house. Our Mom loved her gospel music, especially her favorite singers: Jack Greene, Barbara Mandrell, Jim Reeves. 

I read various Scriptures to her when it was my turn to sit by her bedside and visit with her. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Psalm 27:1, 4

Revelation 22:1-5

Her very most favorite verse passage was Ephesians 2:8-10 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

She loved reading about the end times and what happens afterwards. She was both excited about the coming events and fearful for her family members who weren't saved yet. That's why she chose to fight the leukemia: so she could fight for her family's salvation by continuing to share the gospel which she loved so much. 

Matthew 24:27-36

And lastly, Psalm 23. 

1. The Lord Is your Shepherd (your Leader, your Guide, your Protector),

 You shall not want  (The Lord Is your Provider).

2. He makes you to lie down in green pastures; He leads you beside still waters. 

3. He restores your soul: He has led you in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

4. Yes, even though you have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, you feared no evil, for the Lord is with you: His rod (of protection) and His staff (of guidance) comfort you.

5. He prepares a table for you in the presence of your enemies: He anoints your head with oil, your cup runs over.

6. Surely goodness and mercy have followed you all the days of your life: and now you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.