Song of the Day: "Because the Lord Is My Shepherd"

One of the reasons why I continue to go to mass on Sundays is to sing hymns. I grew up singing these songs of hope, inspiration, faith, trust, and love, and the older I get, the more the messages of these songs speak to me and make sense to me. I always seem to hear the songs that are most fitting for the moment; it's exactly what I need to hear at that point in my life. It's as they say, "Ask, and you shall receive." It's easy to sing along to a song, but it's more challenging to really listen to it and hear the message that is meant for you. God, the universe, nature, whatever you may call it, is always speaking to us, sharing knowledge, understanding, peace, acceptance, and love in endless ways, but it is up to us to choose when to acknowledge it, when to pay attention, when to take the message, the lesson, the wisdom, and even still it is up to us to decide what to do with this information... It all starts with an open, willing heart. Here is what I heard tonight; it was the reminder that I most needed in this moment, and I willingly accept it...

Because the Lord Is My Shepherd
Lyrics and music by Christopher Walker, based on Psalm 23

Verse 1:
Because the Lord is my shepherd,
I have ev’ry thing I need.
He lets me rest in the meadow and leads me
to the quiet streams.
He restores my soul and he leads me
in the paths that are right:

Refrain:
Lord, you are my shepherd,
you are my friend.
I want to follow you always,
just to follow my friend.

Verse 2:
And when the road leads to darkness,
I shall walk there unafraid.
Even when death is close I have courage,
for your help is there.
You are close beside me with comfort,
you are guiding my way:

Verse 3:
In love you make me a banquet
for my enemies to see.
You make me welcome, pouring down honor
from your mighty hand,
and this joy fills me with gladness;
it is too much to bear:

Verse 4:
Your goodness always is with me
and your mercy I know.
Your loving kindness strengthens me always
as I go through life.
I shall dwell in your presence forever,
giving praise to your name:

My messages:

We have all that we need.
We are loved always.
TRUST.
Keep moving forward.