Stephen Tomkins finds fresh consolation in the best-loved scripture of all

What is there to say about the best-loved scripture of all? One thing is that it is also the most intimate. Other scriptures tell me God is our father and loves the world, but this says the Lord is my shepherd. And in the Hebrew, not the Lord, a title, but a personal name: Yahweh is my shepherd.

Therefore, I lack nothing. I shall not want. Really?

Am I being told that, being a believer, I will never have to choose between paying for heating and putting food on the table? That if I am faithful I will never be the one fainting in the food bank queue?..

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This is an extract from an article published in the Issue 3 – 2025 edition of Reform

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Image: The Return to the Fold by Anton Mauve 1838-1888. Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913