The Lord is my… Teacher: Riffing on Psalm 23 (part 3)

The lovely Heythrop College, part of University of London until next year when it will close.

Some years ago a writing friend shared with me how he liked to personalize Psalm 23 according to the different roles the Lord could play in his life. Thus instead of a Shepherd, I wrote about the Lord being my Publisher. (And here are some examples of other people engaging with this psalm.) Recently after receiving a not-so-stellar book review, I wrote about the Lord being my Reviewer, and this morning, as I struggle to write my penultimate essay for my MA in Christian spirituality, I’ve written about the Lord being my teacher (or I suppose I should say “tutor”).

The Lord is my teacher, I lack nothing.
He makes me rest from my studies,
he leads me beside the bubbling brook,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right ways of thinking
for his name’s sake.

Even though I trudge
through the valley of low marks
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
Your assignments and comments,
they comfort me.

You prepare a place for me
At the academic high table.
You anoint my hands to type;
my ideas overflow.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the College of the Lord
forever.

How could you make the beloved Psalm 23 applicable to you today?