The Shepherd

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The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

~ Psalm 23

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I’m coming back to this familiar verse tonight, seeking the comfort that it brings.

I’ve been wandering, I can feel it…  

And He knows it…

This God who always sees me, always sees my heart, and still…  

always loves me.

Such amazing grace, undeserved and unending.

And I pray. . .

Dear Lord, please be the shepherd

To this prideful little sheep,

Who’s wandered far away again,

Sowing what I’ll reap.

Planting seeds of sinfulness

In soil rich with lies,

Doing what the world so loves,

But that which You despise.

I feel the pride in me so deep,

Stealing joy that You would give,

If only I would trust Your Word,

And by Your Spirit live.

Forgive me for not seeing

Every blessing You have given,

To this tired little lamb,

Still wandering far from heaven.

Take me now into Your arms

And hold me close I pray.

Remind me just how lost I am

When I have gone astray.

Help me to surrender now

And always to Your will.

Teach my heart to hear Your voice

And my spirit to be still.

Jesus, my Good Shepherd,

Lead me on to follow You,

Walking in obedience

To the life You’ve called me to.

© 2008 Julie Jablonski

Linking up at Kelli's beautiful place again, Chronicles of Grace.