23rd

“The Lord is my Shepherd”
Unless there’s somewhere I want to go
I pretend I’m seeking guidance 
Yet my pace doesn’t slow.

“I Shall not want”
But really I know that isn’t true
My appetites are plenty
and I crave what is new

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:”
Still I am so quick to rise
My Father resides in Heaven
Why do I choose the prince of lies.

“He leadeth me beside the still waters.”
From which I should drink
My soul cries out to be quenched
But it’s blocked by the things I think.

“He restoreith my soul:
So why do I stray
Just a foolish sheep
Who wants to go my own way

“he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.”
I’m willfully foolish
with each step that I take

“Yea though I walk through the valley 
of the shadow of  death. 
I will fear no evil:”
As I take in each breath.

“for Thou art with me;”
You haven’t let me go
By softening my heart
you free me to grow

“Thy Rod and thy staff they comfort me”
I no longer fear your correction
Yours is an abiding Love
I’m under your protection

“Thou preparest a table before me
In the presence of my enemies:”
They cannot harm me
I’m as safe as a summer breeze

“Thou anointest my head with oil:
My cup runneth over.”
I no longer seek foolish things
With You I walk among clover 

“Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me 
all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord 
Forever.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Laurie Avatar
June 27, 2021 at 5:45 PM
Hello Richard … it takes a very creative mind to write a verse like this - well done Richard - Lindsay
Goldsmith Avatar
June 20, 2021 at 10:07 AM
What a creative write on the 23. Love your line, "Just a foolish sheep." We are wanting to do it our way. Have a blessed day/week writing away.....................
Kendrick Avatar
June 20, 2021 at 6:36 AM
I like this one. A great account of your faith. We start small and grow to be a different person as time passes by. If only we could be just zapped with instant success at being the Christian we should be, but alas we are human. Thanks for all the visits to my p age. I still have to fight with Satan who would lead me the wrong way. Sara
Callus Avatar
June 18, 2021 at 11:52 AM
An excellent personal interpretation of this popular psalm, Richard. I love the determination and faith which the ending projects. ~ Regards // paul
Lamoureux Avatar
June 19, 2021 at 7:14 AM
Thanks my friend.
Ligon Avatar
June 13, 2021 at 9:58 AM
Though we struggle to trust, God remains faithful. Enjoyed your transition from human weakness to abiding in God's strength.
Lamoureux Avatar
June 19, 2021 at 7:13 AM
Thanks Juliet, sorry for the late response. ;0)
Y. Avatar
June 6, 2021 at 7:56 AM
Hi Richard, You penned a real and honest interpretation of the 23rd Psalms. The latter portion shows the results of one staying steadfast, your poems shows a heart change- answered prayer. I enjoyed the read. I liked this a lot. Have a great day and weekend:-) Alexis
Lamoureux Avatar
June 7, 2021 at 12:37 PM
Thanks Alexis. Hugs Rick.
Theraven Avatar
June 3, 2021 at 8:53 PM
Richard, Wonder in a psalm and a poem. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Those born into sin know (hope) they're more of a guide than Uber directions to the stars. -Richard
Lamoureux Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 7:08 AM
I really like this response Rich. Thanks for the visit.
Manassian Avatar
June 3, 2021 at 7:02 AM
Lovely. I like how you have included your own thoughts and musing to this amazing Psalm. Blessings.
Lamoureux Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 7:09 AM
Thanks for the blessings Eileen. Hugs Rick.
Cheney Avatar
June 2, 2021 at 8:10 AM
Richard this is a wonderfully honest exposition on the 23rd Psalm.
Lamoureux Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 7:09 AM
Thanks Kenneth. Blessings Rick.
Trifiatis Avatar
June 1, 2021 at 1:45 PM
A great inspiring sermon that only a man of true faith could compose, my dearest friend, Richard. I know you for almost ten years now and your faith remains forever strong! Blessings!
Lamoureux Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 7:11 AM
Thanks my friend. Faith is only as valuable as what you put your faith into. I am thankful I have Faith in God.
Cunningham Avatar
June 1, 2021 at 1:37 PM
As we go through life we often question things about our faith and quite often sometimes stray from the path we should be taking. Thankfully we see the light and are soon back on course. Well written Richard. Tom
Lamoureux Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 7:12 AM
Thanks for your encouraging response Tom. Blessings Rick.
Leiser Avatar
May 30, 2021 at 2:38 PM
I can relate to your interpretations and the struggles of remaining faithful to Him. But the perseverance you describe in continuing to walk the path of faith, and the wonderful reward is dwelling “in the house of the Lord forever”! Wonderful Psalm and wonderful poem, Richard! :)
Lamoureux Avatar
June 1, 2021 at 6:25 AM
Thanks Laura. ;0)
Wolf Avatar
May 29, 2021 at 9:34 PM
Perhaps, a double-twist on a coming-of-age write here, Richard. Fabulous penning. Truly enjoyable. Happy Sunday, Gershon
Lamoureux Avatar
June 1, 2021 at 6:26 AM
Hi Gershon, thanks for the visit.
Rose  Avatar
May 29, 2021 at 6:32 PM
It is indeed one of my fav psalms of all time, Richard, Thanks for sharing :)
Lamoureux Avatar
June 1, 2021 at 6:26 AM
Thanks dear. Hugs Rick.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace