The Lord is my Shepherd 

Well Lord, here I am again,

your wondering sheep who has left his pen.

The world out there is dark and unkind,

But even worse yet is my wondering mind.

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I need to bring my thoughts to rest,

on what is pure, lovely, and best.

Ever the beggar I seem to be,

as I come crawling back to Psalm 23.

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“The Lord is my Shepherd,” I know that is you,

my God who is always faithful and true.

I turn from my shame and collapse in that place,

amazed to not find judgment on your face.

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As I look up to meet your tender gaze,

which pierces my heart and considers my ways.

I forget about my spots, my wrongs, my stains,

as peace beyond understanding obliterates my chains.

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When I’m near you like this I am gratefully content,

with all of my striving exhausted and spent.

It produces in me a “shall not want,”

though worldly seductions still taunt and flaunt.

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I wish this moment with You would never end,

but honestly God You know the trend.

When life fights back and my focus diverts,

I go back to my vomit and that always hurts.

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I hate this God, you seem so far away,

my hope is gone and I don’t want to pray!

Wait, look my soul a green pasture ahead,

why not lie down and let go of your dread?

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The waters nearby are cool and still,

I collapse at the edge and drink my fill.

My thirst is quenched and my soul restored,

I am loved, known, cared for, adored.

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I want to stay here Lord, this is all I need,

You extend your hand, now You will lead.

It is time to go for there is more at stake,

along paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.

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Suddenly, the atmosphere begins to change,

the pastures and still waters fade from range.

Why am I walking toward that valley of death,

that robs my joy and steals my breath?

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I sense the panic come rushing in,

with whispered reminders of all my sin.

I feel so alone, hopeless, afraid,

if I knew this was coming I would have just stayed.

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The tempter is singing his tempting song,

I don’t want to listen but I’ve never been strong.

My failure is sealed as I run in full haste,

toward that wide road with all its pleasures to taste.

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A few steps in and my foot starts to slip,

hell sees victory and tightens its grip.

Just as the thief rears back to laugh,

I’m rescued from danger by the crook of Your staff.

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In the presence of my Shephered comfortably seated,

with one swing of your weapon the enemy is defeated.

Your rod and your staff they comfort me here,

forgive me for forgetting You are always near.

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I admonish myself, “Why was I so scared?”

as you lead me to a table bountifully prepared.

Even in the presence of my enemy all fear is gone,

as I lie down in peace no longer their pawn.

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You anoint me with oil that heals my scars, my pain,

mercy and compassion are all that remain.

My cup overflows with joy and peace,

to love what You love and see what You see.

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No longer in a hopeless and helpless condition,

I am free from the past and on to the mission.

no looking back my hand fixed on the plow,

for goodness and mercy are following me now!

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My Shepherd is mine He has made me new,

for it is You who works in me to will and to do.

That You may be glorified in every endeavor,

and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever!