Classic Poem

The Lord is my Shepherd, how sweet is the thought
That God in his goodness is caring for me!
My wants and desires to his notice are brought,
And all are fulfilled that may properly be.

With gentle persuasion he lures me to rest
In virtue's green pastures and soft dewy meads;
With like tender care in each motion expressed
By truth's crystal waters my willing feet leads.

And though I too often have wandered astray,
Apparently lost to his love and his care;
How soon has he brought me again in the way
And sought to continue my erring steps there.

Though dangers may threaten on every hand,
I cannot be fearful with God for my guide;
If even in death's darksome valley I stand,
No harm can befall me with him at my side.

The rod and the staff, those sweet emblems of power,
Of power that is tempered by mercy and love;
Though dangers o'ertake me, though tempests may lower,
Alike my protection and comfort they prove.

Though great is the mercy, exhaustless the love,
The one faithful Shepherd displays for his sheep;
As rich are the blessings that roll from above,
The stream of his bounty as constant and deep.

If friends become wearied, unchanged is his care;
If others forsake me, his love flows the more;
The oil of his gladness streams down from my hair,
With choicest of blessings my cup runneth o'er.

With such a true friend and protector as this,
Ah, surely my life should be crowned with delight;
It cannot be else than a measure of bliss,
If only my footsteps are ordered aright.

And so, when at last the glad summons shall come
That calls me away to the promised reward,
My spirit will joyously enter its home
Eternal and blest in the house of the Lord.

Yes, God is my Shepherd! I will not forget
The length and the breadth and the depth of his love,
His guidance, protection, his bounty, nor yet
The home everlasting in mansions above.