He Leadeth Me

One hundred and fifty years ago, in March 1862, Reverend Joseph Gilmore turned to the Twenty-Third Psalm for the text of his sermon at First Baptist Church in Philadelphia. It was a dark time for his country, torn apart by a horrible Civil War. That day, Gilmore was particularly burdened because his nation, and its leaders, needed God’s guidance and intervention more than ever before.

As he preached that morning, he felt especially moved when, reading from the King James Version, he spoke the words, “He leadeth me.” After the service ended, as this phrase continued to stir in his heart, he decided to write a poem that expressed the joy and peace he felt when he realized that he could depend on God to guide him.

He wrote, “He leadeth me! O blessed thought; O words with heavenly comfort fraught. Whate’er I do, where’er I be, still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.”

When his wife read this poem, she recognized the important message and power he’d captured, so she submitted it for publication. When composer William Bradbury read the words, he set Gilmore’s poem to music. For many generations, the combination of Bradbury’s music and Gilmore’s words, has reminded Believers that the Lord is our Shepherd and He will lead us.

Do you need God’s leading? Are there decisions you need to make? Don’t be filled with worry, fear, or doubt. Right now, follow the example that inspired Joseph Gilmore, and repeat David’s words: “He leads me.” You can be confident that your Shepherd will lead you. In every situation, you can trust Him!