Shepherd of Life : a reading

With the 4th Sunday in Eastertide - "Good Shepherd Sunday" - just behind us, we decided to record a reading of a reflection piece on the 23rd Psalm, drawn from a book co-authored by Jamie Howison and Steve Bell. The book is I Will Not Be Shaken: A Songwriter's Journey Through the Psalms, which was released in 2015 with a companion album of seventeen Psalm-based songs written and recorded by Steve over the years.

A key figure in this reflection is Steve’s father, Dr. Alfred Bell, who died on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at the age of 83. A Baptist pastor who served as a congregational minister and prison chaplain, he was a much sought after speaker and a wise mentor for many. Those of us who knew and loved him miss his good and gentle presence.

The song “Shepherd of Life” originally appeared on Steve’s debut album, Comfort My People, released in 1989. The version of the song included in this podcast was recorded for the I Will Not Be Shaken CD, which was released as the companion to the 2015 book.

Shepherd of Life   – Music and Lyric by Steve Bell
adapted from Psalm 23

The Lord of life is my shepherd
He leads me with nothing to want
And He leads me along
With His staff and His rod
He is here to comfort my fears

Though I walk through the valley
I walk with His hand in mine
Thought I passed my last breath
In the shadow of death
But I’m still here
Safe on the other side

Here with the waters beside
Cool in the grasses I lie
Here with my Lord
Who gently restores
The Shepherd of Life

There’s a table laid out before me
There’s a cup in which joy overflows
Surely goodness and love
Will follow me all of the days
All the days of my life