A Psalm for Everyone
Posted on Mar 10, 2026 by Shari Van Baale
The psalm this Sunday is most likely a familiar one — Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd …”. This is sometimes known as “the funeral psalm” because it is read at so many funerals. It is recited at graveside funerals not just in real life, but in movies and on television. Many people who are not at all knowledgeable about the Bible can recite this psalm by heart.
It is a psalm of comfort. It says that even though we may be in “the darkest valley,” God is still with us and gives us comfort. God never leaves us, even in the tough times. This doesn’t just refer to when someone dies, but always.
According to Theologia, “If there’s one Psalm that makes us feel the warmth of God’s Love, His comforting care, unfailing support, and strong leadership ... that is Psalm 23.”
It is also interesting that in the first paragraph, it refers to the Lord as “he,” but as it goes on it refers to God directly (“you”). This makes it more personal. It speaks directly to God. It shows a sense of intimacy, a personal relationship with Him where we can talk directly to Him.
OpentheBible.org summed it up perfectly when it said why Psalm 23 can resonate with everyone. “Psalm 23 deals with the realities of life. When you face difficult decisions, this psalm is for you. When you are losing heart, this psalm is for you. When you face enemies, this psalm is for you. When you have seen the face of evil, this psalm is for you. And since you will one day walk through the valley of death, this psalm is for you. You need a Shepherd.”
Shari Van Baale
Salem Communications Coordinator