Psalm of the Unbeliever

"Alone" Gravestone sculpture.  Found in the large cemetery full of sculpted graves (for the rich) in Turin, Italy.

During Preparation Week the Newsletter Team Leader read something he called the "unbeliever's psalm" to our group in our morning devotions.  It was later read to the TeenStreet crowd proper in one of the morning sessions.

The psalm is a spin on the well-known Psalm 23 written by David.  I have never felt much of a great connection to the particular psalm, as it was so popular and read so lightly.  But hearing this "unbeliever's" version gives me a new appreciation for the original text and especially for God's promises contained within. I encourage you to read it very slowly and consider what is said.

Psalm of the Unbeliever

I have no shepherd...
I want and am in need...
I have no one to feed me in green pastures...
I have no rest...
I have no one to lead me to quiet waters...
I am thirsty...
I have no one to guide me in the right ways...
I don't know where to turn...
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
evil surrounds me...
I am terribly afraid for no one is with me to comfort me...
I have no feast prepared for me...
I am overwhelmed by my enemies...
No one anoints my wounds or fills my cup...
My cup is empty...
All the days of my life are filled with disappointment and deceit...
I have no home for eternity...
Will I dwell in an evil house forever?

And now contrast that with this...

Psalm 23 (NIV)

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
       he leads me beside quiet waters,
 he restores my soul.
       He guides me in 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 love will follow me
       all the days of my life,
       and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
       forever.

 Another Turino grave sculpture. This is the favorite gravestone of our Italian friend

that took us to this magical & mysterious place. He loves it for

the angels lightly carved in to the background, watchful over the girl. 

Their presence and watchfulness recall the care of the Shepherd

as David describes so well in Psalm 23.