From God

Rob, I am your shepherd and, with my watchful care over you, there is nothing else you need. I will guide in your life to bring you good, to make you stop and rest when you need it. I will teach you how to live right and that is because of who I am – not because of you! Even when you face the darkest times and it seems all is lost, you don’t need to be afraid because I am still with you. If you only knew the extent of my strength and resources! I will provide for you in the middle of your problems and in plain view of those who oppose you, so much so that sometimes it will seem like my undeserved goodness is excessive. Wherever you turn throughout your life you will see evidence of my goodness and committed love for you. I am with you now. I will never leave you and someday you will see me and live with me – I’ve got your room ready!

From Rob

God, thank you for being my shepherd; thank you for your watchful care over me. I know your promises; please remind me, though, that I can rely on you for everything I need. Teach me to rest. Show me how to live to please you. Guide me step-by-step. You know the challenges I am walking through right now and how afraid I am. But I know too that you are with me. Please protect me and give me confidence. I am looking forward to seeing how you will provide. You are truly an extravagant God. Your goodness and committed love for me is the most solid thing I know. What a gift to know you, to know that you are with me, and to know that someday I will see you face-to-face and live with you.

The Original Version

The Lord is my shepherd,
I lack nothing.
He takes me to lush pastures,
he leads me to refreshing water.
He restores my strength.
He leads me down the right paths
for the sake of his reputation.

Even when I must walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff reassure me.

You prepare a feast before me
in plain sight of my enemies.
You refresh my head with oil;
my cup is completely full.

Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days,
and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life.