Betty Spence Years ago when in the hospital facing surgery, the words to the beloved Shepherd Psalm played in my mind.like a recording. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
I had not read the words in some time. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. But in my moment of need I could not get those words out of my head--or my heart.
Afterglow:
If you are facing a life threatening situation, let these words ease your heart and mind: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Secret Place
He gently leads me to a place apart
where shepherd-like He has a table spread
with more than enough to fill the hungry heart
of one whose goings depend on being led.
It is my gift to know the Shepherd's voice
and go with Him unto the secret place
present help where thirsty sheep rejoice
among the silent streams and grassy space.
I know the fields of rock where wounded sheep
are comforted by the Shepherd's staff and rod
and in the safety of the fold, sleep
upon the little, skipping hills of God.
I know the place, but need the Shepherd's care
to find the winding way from here to there.
Reprinted from Betty Spence's book, Daystar. Reflections, Prayers and Poems, pps. 48-49. Used by permission.
I had not read the words in some time. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. But in my moment of need I could not get those words out of my head--or my heart.
Afterglow:
If you are facing a life threatening situation, let these words ease your heart and mind: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Secret Place
He gently leads me to a place apart
where shepherd-like He has a table spread
with more than enough to fill the hungry heart
of one whose goings depend on being led.
It is my gift to know the Shepherd's voice
and go with Him unto the secret place
present help where thirsty sheep rejoice
among the silent streams and grassy space.
I know the fields of rock where wounded sheep
are comforted by the Shepherd's staff and rod
and in the safety of the fold, sleep
upon the little, skipping hills of God.
I know the place, but need the Shepherd's care
to find the winding way from here to there.
Reprinted from Betty Spence's book, Daystar. Reflections, Prayers and Poems, pps. 48-49. Used by permission.