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We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 23  Listen to Psalm 23 I have a complicated relationship with Psalm 23. I originally associated it with that beautiful piece of music that became the Vicar of Dibley soundtrack. Since being ordained this has changed. I have discovered it is the most requested scripture at funerals. The funeral where it featured that lingers the most in my mind was a memorial for a 16 year old boy who had died in a gang related death. The congregation was a group of teenagers from the local estate - most of whom had never been in a church before. It is in that kind of scenario that the real power and test of the Psalms are shown, in their ability to speak into the most bleak and tragic circumstances. I think this is perhaps why Psalm 23 is so popular. It has an ability to articulate so clearly the human experience of feeling lost and alone. I am reminded that God doesn’t promise us an easy life - without pain or struggle but what he does promise is his presence. God’s favour therefore is not displayed in how well our lives are going but in his ability to forever show up for us - however dark the valley we are in. God, however dark the places we might travel help us to know your presence with us.