The Lord is my Shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd –
He leads me out and brings me in. He protects me from the predators that lurk in the shadows, and rescues me from the pitfalls of life.

I shall not want –
He is my source and in Him, all my needs are fulfilled. I am complete, lacking nothing, that I might be a source for others.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures –
He causes me to rest in life, in a prosperous place.

He leads me beside the still waters –
Peace and tranquility are the stability of my life in Him.

He restores my soul -
All that the enemy has stolen from me, He replenishes.
All that has died in me, He makes alive.
All that was lost, He will restore, that I may be whole in Him.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His namesake –
By His grace and mercy I am one with him and He calls me His own. Therefore He guides and directs my way.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff do comfort me –
As I daily go through the circumstances and situations of this life that loom over me, as if to devour me, I know that I am not alone but He is always there and I need not be afraid. His shepherds rod, speaks of ultimate authority over all things that pertain to me and His staff is a type of my total provision.

He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies –
In the midst of famine, His provision and care for me is obvious to all. I do not desire the king’s meat but do flourish trusting in His ability to supply all my needs.

He anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over –
His favor and anointing is upon me and I am full to running over that I might give to others, of the abundant riches of God.

Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life –
I am certain of His mercy and in need of it daily. I have come to know in my heart that God is good, and I experience His goodness continually.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever –
He is my dwelling place now and forever.
I am secure in the Son and nothing can pluck me out of His hand.

Art Groesbeck