Isaac Watts (1674-1748), who wrote such beloved hymns as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “Joy to the World,” also wrote hundreds of hymns which are virtually unknown.Three of his lesser-known hymns are based on the well-known Psalm 23…and each one is a precious reminder of the wonder of having the Lord God as our Shepherd. Below are the first stanzas from each of these three hymns. Given the uncertainty of the world in which we live, and both the physical and spiritual needs we all have, these are stanzas well worthy of our contemplation! I have bolded the wording which has had the greatest impact on my heart today. The phrase in italics comes in a close second. The result: Greater stillness of heart and trust in God’s care.

My Shepherd is the living Lord; Now shall my wants be well supplied; His providence and holy word Become my safety and my guide. My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah is his name; In pastures fresh he makes me feed, Beside the living stream. The Lord my Shepherd is, I shall be well supplied; Since he is mine and I am his, What can I want beside?

This evening as I was reading chapter two of a new book entitled Helpful Truth in Past Places written by Mark Deckard, I encountered a series of principles he quotes from a lecture given by Sinclair Ferguson. Although all of these principles are well known to me and established in my heart through many scriptural passages and examples, I found myself thinking how quickly and easily these truths can fade from conscious thought. And so, to help me reestablish these truths…and hopefully, to also encourage you…here are ten of Ferguson’s thoughts:

God is in control of his universe.
God is working out his perfect purposes.
God is not my servant.
God’s ways are far more mysterious and wonderful than I can understand.
God is good–all of the time; I can trust him–all of the time.
God’s timetable is not the same as mine.
God is far more interested in what I become than in what I do.
Freedom from suffering is not part of the promise of the Christian gospel.
Suffering is an integral part of the Christian life.
God’s purposes, not mine, are what bring him glory.

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.

Let the favor of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands…yes, establish the work of our hands!
Psalm 90:14-17

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This archive contains personal reflections on God, life, and faith, written by friends of In Praise of God Ministries.

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Kristie Gant is the author of the studies published by In Praise of God Ministries. She and her husband, Hank, live in Nebraska and have two grown children.

Amy (Kristie’s daughter) serves as editor and web designer for In Praise of God Ministries. She has recently married and is completing a course of graduate studies.

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