My Shepherd

One step towards a vast valley full of bones is all my shepherd asks of me. One foot in front of the other. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, here I go. I call to my remembrance how my shepherd counted me as I walked under his staff. What a comfort that staff has. It has yanked me from tumbling rocks. It has reached further than any man’s arms and saved me from the babbling brook. It is the weapon that keeps me safe from the ravenous wolves who seek to devour my life. Every time my shepherd plants it into the ground as he walks, I match my steps to its rhythm. My shepherd is good and faithful, he is the hope of my soul. He takes great care of all within his flock. Not one has been left abandoned by my good shepherd. With tender affections does he care for each of us. He has willingly laid down his life for me and fought for me. At night when the moon is hidden from sight, he gathers me into his arms and tends to my needs. I am quiet when my shepherd grabs the shears to lighten my load. I have learned how to not be afraid when that time comes. I listen to his voice and allow him to have his way. The confidence I have in my shepherd soothes my fears, I know I am kept secure. My faithful shepherd leads me into green pastures so that I am well fed and sustained. Good things does he have in store for me. Starving is not a fear of mine. Whatever I need, all the things it takes to make my life thrive is found in the hand of my shepherd. Briers and thickets that try to hold me captive and steal my life, only last a moment. My shepherd hears my cry and rescues me from the snares of death. All the joy I possess has come from the love of my shepherd. He causes me to lie down and rest when I have wandered. I have found contentment in the presence of my shepherd. I long to abide by my shepherd all the days of my life, he is my rest for ever. My shepherd leads me beside the still, peaceful waters and goodness has followed me all the days of my life. His words never fall to the ground, they lift me up and guide my life into safety. His words direct my steps and yield me into safety. I do not turn to the right or the left when my shepherd is guiding me. I stay forward keeping, taking in all that is set before me. My good shepherd leads me on pleasant paths, I do my best to not stir away. But when I wander and get lost, my good shepherd calls me by name and finds me. I am forgiven for wandering and recovered back into his gentle mercy. I have experienced the goodness of my shepherd many times and never once has he left me abandoned. I have no reason to distrust His words, no reason to wander out from under his care. This valley that has shadows of death lingering in every corner, is merely a shadow. Dread and the fear of death loom above me but my shepherd tells me to walk on without fear. I remember the words he has spoken over me. Shadows have no power. Shadows of serpents cannot sting. Shadows of ravenous wolves cannot devour. I will fear no evil for my shepherd has power and I will take this walk as a pleasant stroll. Nothing in heaven or on earth can separate me from the love of my shepherd. I do not fear the dread of death. My shepherd upholds those he loves with a right hand and gently ushers them into everlasting. Until that day comes, I lavish in the table of my shepherd. He has prepared for me an abundance of life-giving goodness. I am forever satisfied by his green pastures; my thirst is forever quenched by his mighty guidance. There is always more than enough for all within his flock. My faith in my good shepherd is strengthened within every step. His goodness and mercies poured out on my life are too numerous to count. The convenience of my mighty shepherd fills me with hope all the days of my life. With all that I am, I am pleased much. I am filled all the more for the things I hope for. My good shepherd is the satisfaction of my soul. In him, I hope to dwell forever.