The Lord is my Shepherd.

Here is a poem reflecting on the profound comfort and promise of the Twenty-Third Psalm.

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The Lord Is My Shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. This is the truth on which my soul is built. Not I am master,planner, savior, hunt— But I am His,released from all my guilt.

He makes me lie in pastures green and deep, Where anxious striving finds a blessed cease. He leads me where the quiet waters creep, To drink a cup of His restoring peace.

He restores my soul. When I am faint and worn, He breathes new life into these dusty bones. He leads me in the paths for which I'm born, For His own name's sake,from His heavenly thrones.

Yes, though I walk through death's dark, shadowed vale, I will fear no evil,nor its terrifying art. For You are with me—this will never fail— Your rod and Your staff,they comfort my heart.

You prepare a table right in view of my foes, You anoint my head with oil,a sacred sign. My cup overflows with all that You bestow, A testament to Your mercy,wholly divine.

Surely—oh, surely—goodness and mercy, His own, Shall follow me,pursuing all my days. And I will dwell in the Lord's house,known, To lift a ceaseless song of wonder and praise.

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The Scripture (Psalm 23)

The poem is a direct meditation on perhaps the most beloved passage in all of Scripture:

A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 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.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.