Comment on a Hymn

'The Lord's My Shepherd'

This is a favorite hymn of many. And the reason for that is obvious. It's based on a favorite Psalm of many. But as with so many familiar hymns, we can sing it without thinking much about what we are actually singing. So, consider what we are saying when we sing this hymn.

'I'll not want'

'My soul He doth restore again'

'I will fear no evil'

'My cup overflows'

'Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me'

It might be good to take just one of those phrases from this hymn and meditate on it. What does it mean? Is it true of me? Do I believe that it is true of me?

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want.

He makes me down to lie

In pastures green; He leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again;

And me to walk doth make

Within the paths of righteousness,

Even for His own name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,

Yet will I fear no ill;

For Thou art with me; and Thy rod

And staff my comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnishèd

In presence of my foes;

My head Thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life

Shall surely follow me;

And in God’s house forevermore

My dwelling place shall be.