A SHEPHERD’S SONG OF PRAISE
By David, Jesse’s son
Just as I am a shepherd who watches over his sheep,
so also the LORD is my Shepherd
who cares for my every need.
For instance, when I am weary,
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
or when I feel stressed,
He leads me beside slow, soothing streams.
My time with Him renews me completely.
Like a sheep, I tend to wander off,
but He always steers me in the right way,
so that I may honor His Great Name.
Because the Lord is my Shepherd
I am never afraid. Even if I were walking
through a dark valley in danger of imminent death,
I would fear no evil,
because You are with me.
It comforts me to know that,
like a shepherd armed with rod and staff,
You are fully able to protect me from any harm.
You prepare a feast for me, blessing me so openly
that my enemies look on with envy.
You pour the oil of gladness on my head,
welcoming me as a friend to your banquet.
The cup you offer me never runs dry.
In fact, it continuously overflows!
All this convinces me
that I will enjoy good things
every day of my life,
that I will always be secure in His love,
and that when this life is over
I will go to live in the house of the Lord
forever.
Amen.
–My translation, from my book, “A Harvest of Miracles.” Houston: Halcyon Press, 2009.