Lyrics
Verse 1
God is my shepherd
I won't be wanting
I won't be wanting
Verse 2
He makes me rest
in fields of green
with quiet streams
Verse 3
Even though I walk
Through the valley
Of death and dying
Verse 4
I will not fear
Cause You are with me
You are with me
Verse 5
Your shepherd's staff
comforts me
You are my feast
in the presence of enemies
Surely goodness
will follow me
follow me
In the house of God forever
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
The House Of God Forever is a short musical setting of Psalm 23. It begins with the confession that God is the shepherd and the singer will not be wanting, then follows the familiar images: resting in green fields beside quiet streams, walking through the valley of death and dying without fear because He is present, and finding comfort in the shepherd's staff.
The last verse describes a feast set in the presence of enemies and the promise that goodness will follow the singer, ending in the house of God forever. Nearly every line comes from Psalm 23:1-6, with the sections of the psalm kept in the same order. The short lines and gentle repetition of "follow me" and "You are with me" make the song easy to learn and quiet to sing. The tone is calm, trusting and reassuring, which suits private prayer as well as a time of comfort for a gathering of believers.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 23:1-2 The Lord is the shepherd who leads the psalmist to green pastures and still waters.
- Psalm 23:4 The psalmist fears no evil in the valley because God is with him.
- Psalm 23:5-6 God prepares a table before enemies and goodness and mercy follow the psalmist to the house of the Lord.