Chaos is the name of the world I live in…but the Lord is my shepherd.

All around me swirls a teeming mass of overwhelming need…but I shall not want.

The faces of war—earthquakes—tsunami—famine—disease melt my mind…but He makes me to lie down in green pastures.

The noise is deafening and the demands never end…but He leads me beside still waters.

Rush here—rush there—do this—do that—I’m totally exhausted…but He restores my soul.

My eyes and ears are assaulted by perversion and indecency at every turn…but He guides me in the paths of righteousness.

All cry out for popularity and demand their own way…but for His name’s sake.

Death and darkness shout their claim of victory…but even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

Evil is loosed and terror stalks the streets…but I fear no evil.

Loneliness and emptiness poison the masses with despair…but You are with me.

There is little peace and lots of pain…but Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.

The opposition is overwhelming and their attacks withering…but You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

I am wounded, worn out and desperately want to quit…but You have anointed my head with oil.

Overwhelmed and helpless—I am pursued by the dark hordes of hopelessness…but surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.

Some days God…You seem a million miles away…but I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.