Poems (Gifford)/Psalm xxiii.
PSALM XXIII.
The Lord my Shepherd is; His love I know,For all I want on me He doth bestow,Nor thirst, nor hunger shall I ever know, He feedeth me.
From the fierce power of summer's noontide heat,He finds for me a cool and safe retreat,And in green pastures, beautiful and sweet, He resteth me.
Then when I am refreshed He gently leadsBy still, clear waters through the widespread meads,To rich supply for all my varied needs, He guideth me.
He knoweth well my readiness to strayEven from His most happy, hallowed way;Yet He, when I so wander or delay, Restoreth me.
He knoweth dangers everywhere abound,Knoweth what enemies my path surround;Yet He, encompassing me all around, Protecteth me.
Though shadows gather, He is ever near,And nought of evil need I ever fear;He careth, and when all beside is drear, Comforteth me.
So good is He, He wondrously hath shedThe oil of gladness on my sinful head,And such a feast of joy for me hath spread, He filleth me.
Oh, blessed, blessed is it thus to beSure of His mercy, from all heart-woe free,Sure that to His great fold for ever, He Will welcome me.