PSALM 23
"The Great Spirit is a Shepherd Chief"


The Great Spirit above is a Shepherd Chief,
I am His, and with Him I want not.

He throws on to me a rope, and the name of the rope is Love;
and He draws me very tenderly to where the grass is green,
and the water not dangerous,
and I eat and lie down satisfied.

Sometimes my heart is very weak and falls down;
but He lifts it up again, and draws me into a good road,
for His name is Wonderful.

Sometimes, it may be very soon, it may be longer, it may be a long, long time,
He will draw me into a narrow place between mountains.

It is dark there but I'll not turn back, and I'll not be afraid,
for it is in there between those mountains that the Shepherd Chief will meet me,
and the hunger I have felt in my heart all through this life will be satisfied.

Sometimes He makes the love rope into a whip,
but afterwards he gives me a staff to lean on.

He spreads a table before me with all kinds of food,
He puts His hand upon my head,
and all the tiredness is gone.

He fills my cup till it runs over.
What I tell you is true, no lie.

These roads that are away ahead will stay with me through this life,
and afterwards I shall go to live in the big camp,
and sit down with the Shepherd Chief for ever.


Last revised on 28 November 1999.