A New Twenty-Third Psalm

My Lord, my God, my Shepherd Guide,
   My good maintains—He's at my side;
Through pastures green and gentle streams
   Such truth rests easy as our theme.

But when the way is choked with cares,
   When troubles come with fears, despairs,
When heartaches rock life's fragile boats,
   When prayers grow dry and stuck in throats,
You must recall His promise well:
   He came to earth to take your Hell,
That you might be a child of Heav'n—
   His presence everlasting giv'n.

Thus you may hold His hand, dear child,
   Though storms and waves may rock you wild;
Through Valleys of Death's Shadows trek,
   His loving hands upon you check
And quell all doubts, your qualms, your fears,
   His Word to you will bring you cheer.

Though thousands then might fall around,
   Your stores run low and foes confound;
Though death looms large and sounds its knell,
   He vows in Heav'n with Him you'll dwell.

- D. Benning

Based on a reflection upon Ps. 23

Keep Away From Wicked's House

Keep away from wicked's house and lair,
   from sin, from pride, from lust and hate,
   from everything that is not straight,
   from contrarian dare
        and evil flair
and following crowds through that wide gate.

For there that door is but a road to hell,
   though fun and bliss with joy and kicks
   are promised with the spice of tricks—
   with the pride of sell
        and the thrill of fell;
yet no satisfaction, peace or fix.

Soon your wealth and health will while away
   your heart, your joy, your toil and sweat,
   in utter ruin about you yet—
   then shall you pray
        with doleful bray,
"I foolishly ignored God's threat."

- D. Benning

Based on Proverbs 5:1 - 14