Lyrics
Chorus
Shepherd of my soul I give you full control,
Wherever You may lead I will follow.
I have made the choice to listen for Your voice,
Wherever You may lead I will go.
Verse 1
Be it in a quiet pasture or by a gentle stream,
The Shepherd of my soul is by my side.
Should I face a mighty mountain or a valley dark and deep,
The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide.
Chorus (Repeat)
Shepherd of my soul Oh You have made me whole,
Wherever I hear You call how my tears flow.
How I feel your love how I want to serve
I gladly give my heart to You Oh Lord.
Verse 2
Be it in the flowing river or in the quiet night,
The Shepherd of my soul is by my side.
Should I face the stormy weather or the dangers of this world.
The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Shepherd of My Soul (I Give You Full Control)” by Marty Nystrom is a song of surrender that takes its picture from the shepherd and sheep of Scripture. The chorus makes a choice: to give full control to the Shepherd, to listen for His voice, and to follow and go wherever He leads. The wording is close to John 10:27, where the sheep hear the shepherd’s voice and follow.
The verses name the places a shepherd leads. There is a quiet pasture and a gentle stream, which recalls Psalm 23:2, and also a mighty mountain, a valley dark and deep, stormy weather, and the dangers of the world. In each case the same assurance is repeated: the Shepherd is by the singer’s side and will be the guide.
The second chorus turns from trust to response. The singer says the Shepherd has made him whole, that tears flow at hearing the call, and that he gladly gives his heart and wants to serve. The song’s message is trust and obedience, grounded in being known and led.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 23:1-4 The Lord as shepherd through pasture and valley
- John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”
- Proverbs 3:5-6 Trusting the Lord and letting Him direct the path