Psalm 23

History

I was super honored that this tune originally appeared on the 2003 “Zillionaires” CD, a collaboration with four amazingly talented friends (Harold Laderer, Tom Milnes, Jeff Wiley and Jerry Wiley). The opening lines pretty much tell the story: “I knew a man of accomplishment; confident and proud. He was a picture of self-made success.” It’s a rather tired, old accusation that the man had leveled at me all those years ago: faith is for weak people. My reply: guilty as charged. But I’ll take the amazing promises of God any day of the week, thank you very much.

Lyrics

I knew a man of accomplishment, confident and proud

He was a picture of self-made success

He claimed that people of faith are too weak to face this life

And so must cling to their God to give them rest

I would not offer an argument so righteous or so strong

To defend the precious Gospel I believe

For though his words meant to dishonor, they still contain a grain of truth

For a helpless child of God I’ll always be

So go ahead and call me any name that you please

As long as I can have Psalm 23

 (chorus) Surely goodness surely love shall follow me all of the days of my life

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever

Call me a coward looking past the darker pleasures others brave

While the party rages on so large and loud

Should I be striving away for all the stuff this world can give?

Fit in and follow along with the crowd?

Though some may mock me as I walk along the hard and narrow way

It’s such a petty persecution to endure 

There’s joy abiding in my heart and grace sufficient for today

And there’s a living hope in Christ that is secure

So before you pity me for a life that is so poor

Listen to these words that I have come to live for

(chorus)

Call me extreme if I let my faith touch all I say and do

I’m not ashamed and I will not compromise

I do not crave the approving nod of anyone but He

Who looks upon me with a loving Father’s eyes

And when I walk the shadowed valley of my death I shall not fear

I know the Shepard’s guiding staff will lead me home

And all the painful trials and sorrow of this life will disappear

And from thankful heart my praise will overflow

So if you ask of me the greatest truth I know

Christ Jesus died for me and you his love to show

(chorus)