The road ahead is beset
With many dangers, toils, and snares,
A minefield without a map.
Other travelers send back postcards
From similar pathways,
But none have traversed just this way.
Fear threatens—
What shall I do?
I cannot retreat,
Ought not stay put,
Must advance,
But where next to step?
You interrupt, reminding of the old truth,
The map to every terrain,
The guide through every dark ravine:
“The LORD is my Shepherd.
He leads me along the right paths
For His name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley”—
And this one is—
“I fear no danger,
For You Are With Me.”
I don’t need a map:
I have a Shepherd.
I don’t need a lantern:
I have a Leader.
I don’t need to fear the minefield:
I have a Guide.
No fear:
You are.
Forgive me, Lord.
I am an unwise and silly sheep;
I had forgotten that,
Even after these 31 years.
Yet I am Your sheep.
Don’t let me stray from Your side.
Let Your rod defend me,
Your staff draw me close,
Nudge me away from dangers
I am too unwise and ignorant to recognize.
Keep Your promise:
Lead me along the right paths,
Not because I deserve it,
But for Your name’s sake.
Glorify Yourself in how well You lead me
Through this dim and winding valley.
Trouble is near;
Be Thou nearer, my Shepherd and my God.
