These Are My JOTtings...

Psalm 23 in My Own Words - 2nd Version

The Lord as Shepherd leads His sheep.
We have no sense to go.
I have no want for He doth keep
His Promise all to know.

He makes me rest for down I lie
in freshest verdant field
That fear from me would daily fly
as my own heart Him yield.

He leads me for I cannot find
the waters safe to drink.
All hope to me were fully blind,
if self need stop and think.

He makes my soul to thrive again.
He takes my hand to guide.
He keeps my steps from ways of sin
for sake of His Own Pride.

The time I walk through Death's cold vale
and shiver that it's here
No fear of evil can avail.
Your Presence here so near.

Though Dad & Mom have left the Earth,
Death's hurtful wound has marred,
I have great hope in their new birth
through Hands and Feet so scarred.

The rod of God defends His sheep.
His staff me guides aright.
What comfort now I know in sleep!
What safety through each plight!

A banquet table, this my Joy,
before me He doth set.
That evil ones can't feet employ
to from my presence get.

They must yet watch me feast and sup
to see what He has done.
The Blessed Savior drank His Cup
for me the Vict'ry won!

The oil is running down apace
from top of my own head,
Anointing me with Gift of Grace
from Wounded Side which bled.

How much my cup is full and more!
I shall not have a need
For Christ my sins on shoulders bore.
The truth of this I read.

Without a doubt His Greatest Good
and Mercy shall attend
As surely through the earthly Wood
I follow path He'll bend.

The Shepherd leads His witless sheep
for I could never go.
The steps to Home have falls so deep
I'd die on rocks below.

He leads before, He is The Way.
His Face is All I need.
Behind's where Goodness, Mercy stay
that foes must all take heed.

So, all my life, my living days,
I'm compassed all about.
Before me Jesus always stays.
Behind me there's no doubt.

Forever live with Christ, my Love,
His Presence my best gain,
His House, my Home, prepared Above,
and there with Him remain.

Line Count: 64

by Jay O'Toole
on March 19th, 2017