You are my Shepherd

I was chatting with my sister this week, and she remarked "I pray a lot - about everything, but then I get up and go do something...". This reminded me of a poem I wrote a number of years ago, and I thought I'd share it:

You are my shepherd
I shall not be in want.
But I must always heed your voice.

You make me lie down
In green pastures,
But I must choose to eat.

You lead me beside quiet waters,
But I must stoop to drink.

You restore my soul.

You guide me into
Paths of right living
But I must live right,
For your name's sake.

Even though I walk through the
Valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil.
But I must walk through,
I must strive onward.

You protect and guide me,
Your strong arm hems me in.
I do not see the many dangers
From which I am saved.

You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies,
But I must serve them my food,
I must give them milk and honey.

You anoint my head with oil,
And prepare me for my calling,
But I must respond.
I must act.

My cup overflows;
I pour myself out.

Goodness and mercy will follow me,
But I must do good,
And I must show mercy,
All the days of my life.

And when this life is gone,
Another house will be my home,
And I will worship in that place,
Forevermore.

(C) Mark Simpson 1998