Shepherd
Shepherd, grasp me by the neck With your strong hand so I don't stray Further than I've strayed today. But if I do—oh, bring me back. Shepherd, keep me from all ill. I can hear the wolves that howl In the shadows, and the foul Smell of death—smell of their kill. Shepherd, cheer me with your smile. My face is bleeding from the thorns, My feet are bruised by sharp stones, My legs ache more with every mile. The shepherd took me in his arms Without a word and held me tight. He carried me through that long night Close to his heart, safe from all harm.
Although it wasn’t intended as such, this poem could be a follow up to last week’s. When we’re in the darkness, when we’re afraid, it’s the Light of the world, Jesus himself, that we need most. The night loses its terror if he is there to hold us. As that best known and best loved of psalms puts it, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me”.1 Whatever’s going on in the world around you, rest in his arms. You are safe. You are loved.
1
Psalm 23:4 (ESVUK)