Do you ever find yourself in the mood for very different music today than you were in the mood for yesterday?
A couple of weeks ago, I came home emotionally overwhelmed and exhausted. While making dinner alone before my family got home, I had the lights down low with some smooth jazz playing in the background. However, the next day while I was working on a project, I blared some intense rock music in my headphones as I turned up the productivity.
Sometimes, I want a song which matches my mood, while other times, I want a song which helps me shift my mood. Music holds incredible power to express how we’re feeling, along with the potential to shape our future feelings.
Long before followers of Jesus had a seemingly infinite playlist in their pockets, or global access to the airwaves to Air1, they had a playlist with 150 options. The psalms expressed every kind of emotion under the sun, in conversation with God who created them all.
Like any playlist, some songs get more plays than others. No psalm has experienced more love in recent history than Psalm 23. From art, to books, to sermons, to reading in Bible apps, David’s famous poem brings together the imagery of his childhood activities with universal human struggles.
Air1’s playlists have been growing with songs which draw on David’s verses. Patrick Mayberry's “Lead On Good Shepherd” and “Psalm 23” by Phil King & Meredith Andrews both explore the rich themes of the most beloved psalm. While both songs draw on the same six verses, the songs offer very different tones and focus the worshiper in very different ways.
King & Andrews’ song offers consolation and comfort to the lonely and weary traveler. However, Mayberry takes a stronger and more confident tone. With a bolder tone and driving beat, “Lead on Good Shepherd” is a forward-facing faith-filled anthem inviting worshipers to look ahead in order to see God making a way in the wilderness.
RELATED CONTENT: Patrick Mayberry Shows the Necessity of Struggle in “Lead On Good Shepherd”
David declared how God worked in his past, never abandoning him and consistently providing for him amidst adversity.
“He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk,
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.”
Mayberry strikes an incredible balance in his lyrics. Like David does in Psalm 23, Mayberry shares honestly about the difficulties he’s faced, “I’ve been turned round…seen the water get troubled…my knees were shaking.” There were moments where he was a vulnerable sheep in need of a Good Shepherd. “You held my hand…you’ve walked me through the valley.”
In an interview with The Christian Beat, Mayberry shared how God used the song in his own life. “This whole past season of my life has been marked by stepping out in wild faith. I think the Lord was like ‘You thought this song was for other people, but this song is for you, buddy.’ I’m asking God to guide my steps, and I’ll just keep taking them.”
By the end of the song, after reviewing the history he has with the Good Shepherd, Mayberry is ready to move forward. In the chorus, he sings a confident surrender.
“Lead on, Good Shepherd
I'll follow all my days
There ain't nothing sweeter
Than to watch You make a way”
The song ends with a crowd rising to join Mayberry shouting full of faith.
“Step by step, day by day
Lead me on, Lord I pray
Road gets dark, walk by faith
Lead on Good Shepherd”
In another conversation with The Christian Beat, Mayberry spoke to the emotional journey the worshiper takes as they move through the song. “Psalm 23 always gets used as a comforting Scripture at funerals when I think it’s just such a comforting verse for life. This Good Shepherd promises to walk alongside us every single step of the way - providing for us, protecting us, telling us to rest, leading us by still waters. God’s track record has proven He’s a good and faithful shepherd, so I’m going to keep following, step by step.”
No matter what kind of steps you’re taking today, Psalm 23 offers you comfort and confidence. While you might have read its verses many times, perhaps it's time to revisit them to comfort you in light of what you’ve been through and strengthen you for what lies ahead.
Whether you’re in the valley or on the mountaintop, now is a good moment to pray (or sing) “Lead on Good Shepherd.” We have a good and faithful shepherd who promises to never leave nor forsake us. He’s a leader worth following.
Scott Savage is a pastor and a writer with the best last name in the world. Scott’s writing helps you laugh, challenges you to think, and invites you to grow. He leads Cornerstone Church in Prescott, Arizona. Scott is married to Dani, an award-winning attorney, and they are the parents of three growing savages. You can read more of Scott’s writing at scottsavagelive.com.
