1
What delight comes to those who follow God’s ways!
They won’t walk in step with the wicked,
nor share the sinner’s way,
nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat.
2
Their pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,”
meditating day and night in his true revelation of light.
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They will be standing firm like a flourishing tree
planted by God’s design,
deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss,
bearing fruit in every season of their lives.
They are never dry, never fainting,
ever blessed, ever prosperous.
4
But how different are the wicked.
All they are is dust in the wind —
driven away to destruction!
5
The wicked will not endure the day of judgment,
for God will not defend them.
Nothing they do will succeed or endure for long,
for they have no part with those who walk in truth.
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But how different it is for the righteous!
The Lord embraces their paths as they move forward
while the way of the wicked lead only to doom.
1
How dare the nations plan a rebellion.
Their foolish plots are futile!
2
Look at how the power brokers of the world
rise up to hold their summit
as the rulers scheme and confer together
against Yahweh and his Anointed King, saying:
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“Let’s come together and break away from the Creator.
Once and for all let’s cast off these controlling chains
of God and his Christ!”
4
God-Enthroned merely laughs at them;
the Sovereign One mocks their madness!
5
Then with the fierceness of his fiery anger
he settles the issue and terrifies them to death with these words:
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“I myself have poured out my King on Zion, my holy mountain.
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“I will reveal the eternal purpose of God.
For he has decreed over me, ‘You are my favored Son.
And as your Father I have crowned you as my King Eternal.
Today I became your Father.
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Ask me to give you the nations and I will do it,
and they shall become your legacy.
Your domain will stretch to the ends of the earth.
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And you will shepherd them with unlimited authority,
crushing their rebellion as an iron rod smashes jars of clay!’”
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Listen to me, all you rebel-kings
and all you upstart judges of the earth.
Learn your lesson while there’s still time.
11
Serve and worship the awe-inspiring God.
Recognize his greatness and bow before him,
trembling with reverence in his presence.
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Fall facedown before him and kiss the Son
before his anger is roused against you.
Remember that his wrath can be quickly kindled!
But many blessings are waiting for all
who turn aside to hide themselves in him!
1
King David’s song when he was forced to flee from Absalom, his own son The Humbling of a King
Lord, I have so many enemies, so many who are against me.
2
Listen to how they whisper their slander against me, saying:
“Look! He’s hopeless! Even God can’t save him from this!”
— Pause in his presence
3
But in the depths of my heart I truly know
that you, Yahweh, have become my Shield;
You take me and surround me with yourself.
Your glory covers me continually.
You lift high my head when I bow low in shame.
4
I have cried out to you, Yahweh, from your holy presence.
You send me a Father’s help.
— Pause in his presence
5
So now I’ll lie down and sleep like a baby —
then I’ll awake in safety, for you surround me with your glory.
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Even though dark powers prowl around me,
I won’t be afraid.
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I simply cry out to you:
“Rise up and help me, Lord! Come and save me!”
And you will slap them in the face,
breaking the power of their words to harm me.
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My true hero comes to my rescue,
for the Lord alone is my Savior.
What a feast of favor and bliss he gives his people!
— Pause in his presence
1
For the Pure and Shining One
For the end, a melody by King David
God, you are my righteousness, my champion defender.
Answer me when I cry for help!
Whenever I was in distress, you enlarged me.
I’m being squeezed again — I need your kindness right away!
Grant me your grace, hear my prayer, and set me free!
2
Listen to me, you elite among men:
How long will you defame my honor
and drag it down into shame?
Will you ever stop insulting me?
How long will you set your heart on shadows,
chasing your lies and delusions?
— Pause in his presence
3
May we never forget that the Lord works wonders
for every one of his devoted lovers.
And this is how I know that he will answer my every prayer.
4
Tremble in awe before the Lord, and do not sin against him.
Be still upon your bed and search your heart before him.
— Pause in his presence
5
Bring to Yahweh the sacrifice of righteousness and put your trust in him.
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Lord, prove them wrong when they say, “God can’t help you!”
Let the light of your radiant face
break through and shine upon us!
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The intense pleasure you give me
surpasses the gladness of harvest time,
even more than when the harvesters
gaze upon their ripened grain
and when their new wine overflows.
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Now, because of you, Lord, I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once,
for no matter what happens, I will live unafraid!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
For her who receives the inheritance, by King David Morning Watch
Listen, Yahweh, to my passionate prayer!
Can’t you hear my groaning?
2
Don’t you hear how I’m crying out to you?
My King and my God, consider my every word,
for I am calling out to you.
3
At each and every sunrise you will hear my voice
as I prepare my sacrifice of prayer to you.
Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on the altar
and wait for your fire to fall upon my heart.
4
I know that you, God, are never pleased with lawlessness,
and evil ones will never be invited as guests in your house.
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Boasters collapse, unable to survive your scrutiny,
for your hatred of evildoers is clear.
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You will make an end of all those who lie.
How you hate their hypocrisy and despise all who love violence!
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But I know that you will welcome me into your house,
for I am covered by your covenant of mercy and love.
So I come to your sanctuary with deepest awe
to bow in worship and adore you.
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Yahweh, lead me in the pathways of your pleasure
just like you promised me you would,
or else my enemies will conquer me.
Smooth out your road in front of me,
straight and level so that I will know where to walk.
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For you can’t trust anything they say.
Their hearts are nothing but deep pits of destruction,
drawing people into their darkness with their speeches.
They are smooth-tongued deceivers who flatter with their words.
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Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their own schemes be their downfall!
Let the guilt of their sins collapse on top of them,
for they rebel against you.
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But let them all be glad,
those who turn aside to hide themselves in you.
May they keep shouting for joy forever!
Overshadow them in your presence as they sing and rejoice.
Then every lover of your name will burst forth with endless joy.
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Lord, how wonderfully you bless the righteous.
Your favor wraps around each one and covers them
under your canopy of kindness and joy.
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A song for the end, sung for the new day by King David
No, Lord! Don’t condemn me.
Don’t punish me in your fiery anger.
2
Please deal gently with me;
show me mercy, for I’m sick and frail.
I’m fading away with weakness.
Heal me, for I’m falling apart.
3
How long until you take away this pain in my body and in my soul?
Lord, I’m trembling in fear!
4
Turn to me and deliver my life
because I know you love and desire
to have me as your very own.
5
How can I be any good to you dead?
For those who are in the graveyards sing no songs.
In the darkness of death who remembers you?
How could I bring you praise if I’m buried in a tomb?
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I’m exhausted and worn-out with my weeping.
I endure weary, sleepless nights filled with moaning,
soaking my pillow with my tears.
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My eyes of faith won’t focus anymore, for sorrow fills my heart.
There are so many enemies who come against me!
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Go away! Leave me, all you workers of wickedness!
For the Lord has turned to listen to my thunderous cry.
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Yes! The Lord my healer has heard all my pleading
and has taken hold of my prayers and answered them all.
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Now it’s my enemies who have been shamed.
Terror-stricken, they will turn back again,
knowing the bitterness of sudden disgrace!
1
A passionate song to the Lord
To the tune of “Breaking the Curse of Cush, the Benjamite,” by King David
O Lord my God, I turn aside to hide my soul in you.
I trust you to save me from all those
who pursue and persecute me.
2
Don’t leave me helpless!
Don’t let my foes fall upon me like fierce lions with teeth bared.
Can’t you see how they want to rip me to shreds,
dragging me away to tear my soul to pieces?
3
Lord, if I were doing evil things, that would be different,
for then I would be guilty, deserving all of this.
4
If I have wronged someone at peace with me,
if I have betrayed a friend, repaying evil for good,
or if I have unjustly harmed my enemy,
5
Then it would be right for you
to let my enemy pursue and overtake me.
In fact, let them grind me into the ground.
Let them take my life from me and drag my dignity in the dust!
— Pause in his presence
6
Now, Lord, let your anger arise against the anger of my enemies.
Awaken your fury and stand up for me!
Decree that justice be done against my foes.
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Gather all the people around you.
Return to your place on high to preside over them
and once more occupy the throne of judgment.
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You are the Exalted One who judges the people,
so vindicate me publicly and restore my honor and integrity.
Before all the people declare me innocent.
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Once and for all, end the evil tactics of the wicked!
Reward and prosper the cause of the righteous,
for you are the righteous God, the soul searcher,
who looks deep into every heart
to examine the thoughts and motives.
10
God, your wrap-around presence
is my protection and my defense.
You bring victory to all who reach out for you.
11
Righteousness is revealed every time you judge.
Because of the strength of your forgiveness,
your anger does not break out every day,
even though you are a righteous judge.
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you will not relent with your wrath,
slaying them with your shining sword.
You are the conqueror with an arsenal of lethal weapons
that you’ve prepared for them.
You have bent and strung your bow,
making your judgment-arrows shafts of burning fire.
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They go into labor with their lies and give birth to trouble.
They dig a pit for others to fall into,
not knowing that they will be the very ones
who will fall into their own pit of failure.
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For you, God, will see to it that every pit-digger
who works to trap and harm others
will be trapped and harmed by his own treachery.
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But I will give all my thanks to you, Lord,
for you make everything right in the end.
I will sing my highest praise to the God of the Highest Place!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
Set to the melody of “For the Feast of Harvest,” by King David
Lord, your name is so great and powerful!
People everywhere see your splendor.
Your glorious majesty streams from the heavens,
filling the earth with the fame of your name!
2
You have built a stronghold by the songs of babies.
Strength rises up with the chorus of singing children.
This kind of praise has the power to shut Satan’s mouth.
Childlike worship will silence
the madness of those who oppose you.
3
Look at the splendor of your skies,
your creative genius glowing in the heavens.
When I gaze at your moon and your stars,
mounted like jewels in their settings,
I know you are the fascinating artist who fashioned it all!
But when I look up and see
such wonder and workmanship above,
I have to ask you this question:
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Compared to all this cosmic glory,
why would you bother with puny, mortal man
or be infatuated with Adam’s sons?
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Yet what honor you have given to men,
created only a little lower than Elohim,
crowned like kings and queens with glory and magnificence.
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You have delegated to them
mastery over all you have made,
making everything subservient to their authority,
placing earth itself under the feet of your image-bearers.
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of the earth, sky, and sea —
the wildest beasts and all the sea creatures —
everything is in submission to Adam’s sons.
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Lord, your name is so great and powerful.
People everywhere see your majesty!
What glory streams from the heavens,
filling the earth with the fame of your name!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
To the tune of “The Secrets of the Son,” by King David
Lord, I will worship you with extended hands
as my whole heart explodes with praise!
I will tell everyone everywhere about your wonderful works
and how your marvelous miracles exceed expectations!
2
I will jump for joy and shout in triumph
as I sing your song and make music for the Most High God.
3
For when you appear, I worship
while all of my enemies run in retreat.
They stumble and perish before your presence.
4
For you have stood up for my cause
and vindicated me when I needed you the most.
From your righteous throne you have given me justice.
5
With a blast of your rebuke nations are destroyed.
You obliterated their names forever and ever.
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The Lord thundered and our enemies have been cut off,
vanished in everlasting ruins.
All their cities have been destroyed —
even the memory of them has been erased.
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But the Lord of eternity, our mighty God, lives and reigns forever!
He sits enthroned as King ready to render his verdicts
and judge all with righteousness.
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He will issue his decrees of judgment,
deciding what is right for the entire world,
dispensing justice to all.
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All who are oppressed may come to you as a
shelter in the time of trouble, a perfect hiding place.
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May everyone who knows your mercy
keep putting their trust in you,
for they can count on you for help no matter what.
O Lord, you will never, no never, neglect those
who come to you.
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Listen, everyone! Sing out your praises to the God
who lives and rules within Zion!
Tell the world about all the miracles he has done!
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He tracks down killers and avenges bloodshed,
but he will never forget the ones forgotten by others,
hearing every one of their cries for justice.
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So now, O Lord, don’t forget me.
Have mercy on me.
Take note of how I’ve been humiliated
at the hands of those who hate me.
Bring me back again from the brink, from the very gates of death.
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Save me! Bring me to the spiritual gates of Zion
so I can bring you the shout of praise you deserve.
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For the godless nations get trapped
in the very snares they set for others.
The hidden trap they set for the weak
has snapped shut upon themselves — guilty!
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The Lord is famous for this: his justice will punish the wicked.
While they are digging a pit for others,
they are actually setting the terms for their own judgment.
They will fall into their own pit.
— Consider the truth of this and pause in his presence
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Don’t forget this: all the wicked will one day
fall into the darkness of death’s domain and remain there,
including the nations that forget God and reject his ways.
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He will not ignore forever all the needs of the poor,
for those in need shall not always be crushed.
Their hopes shall be fulfilled, for God sees it all!
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Lord, won’t you now arise to judge and
punish the nations who defy you?
Aren’t you fed up with their rebellion?
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Make them tremble in fear before your presence.
Place a lawgiver over them.
Make them know that they are only puny, frail humans
who must give account to you!
— Pause in his presence
1
Lord, you seem so far away when evil is near!
Why do you stand so far off as though you don’t care?
Why have you hidden yourself when I need you the most?
2
The arrogant in their elitist pride persecute the poor and helpless.
May you pour out upon them
the very evil they’ve planned against others!
3
How they brag and boast of their cravings, exalting the greedy.
They congratulate themselves as they despise you.
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These arrogant ones, so smug and secure!
In their delusion the wicked boast, saying,
“God doesn’t care about what we do.
There’s nothing to worry about!
Our wealth will last a lifetime.”
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So seemingly successful are they in their schemes,
prosperous in all their plans and scoffing at any restraint.
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They boast that neither God nor men will bring them down.
They sneer at all their enemies, saying in their hearts,
“We’ll have success in all we do
and never have to face trouble” —
never realizing that they are speaking this in vain.
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Their mouths spout out cursing, lies, and threats.
Only trouble and turmoil come from all their plans.
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they crouch silently in ambush for the people to pass by.
Pouncing on the poor, they catch them in their snare
to murder their prey in secret
as they plunder their helpless victims.
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They crush the lowly as they fall beneath their brutal blows,
watching their victims collapse in defeat!
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Then they say to themselves,
“The Lofty One is not watching while we do this.
He doesn’t even care! We can get away with it!”
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Now is the time to arise, Lord! Crush them once and for all!
Don’t forget the forgotten and the helpless.
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How dare the wicked think they’ll escape judgment,
believing that you would not
call them to account for all their ways.
Don’t let the wicked get away with their contempt of you!
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Lord, I know you see all that they’re doing,
noting their each and every deed.
You know the trouble and turmoil they’ve caused.
Now punish them thoroughly for all that they’ve done!
The poor and helpless ones trust in you, Lord,
for you are famous for being the helper of the fatherless.
I know you won’t let them down.
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Break the power of the wicked and all their strong-arm tactics.
Search them out and destroy them
for the evil things they’ve done.
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You, Lord, are King forever and ever!
You will see to it that all the nations perish from your land.
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Lord, you know and understand all the hopes of the humble
and will hear their cries and comfort their hearts,
helping them all!
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The orphans and the oppressed will be terrified no longer,
for you will bring them justice, and no one will trouble them.
1
For the Pure and Shining One, by King David
what my well-meaning friends keep saying to me:
“Run away while you can!
Fly away like a bird to hide in the mountains for safety.
For your enemies have prepared a trap for you!
They plan to destroy you with their slander and deceitful lies.
Can’t you see them hiding
in their place of darkness and shadows?
They’re set against you and all those who live upright lives.”
But don’t they know, Lord,
that I have made you my only hiding place?
Don’t they know that I always trust in you?
2
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What can the righteous accomplish
when truth’s pillars are destroyed and law and order collapse?
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Yet the Eternal One is never shaken —
he is still found in his temple of holiness,
reigning as Lord and King over all.
He is closely watching everything that happens.
And with a glance, his eyes examine every heart.
For his heavenly rule will prevail over all.
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He will test both the righteous and the wicked,
exposing each heart.
God’s very soul detests those who love to resort to violence.
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He will rain down upon them judgment for their sins.
A scorching wind will be their portion and lot in life.
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But remember this: the Righteous Lord loves
what is right and just, and every godly one
will come into his presence and gaze upon his face!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A song of smiting, sung for the new day by King David
Help, Lord! Save us! For godly ones are swiftly disappearing.
Where are the dependable, principled ones?
They’re a vanishing breed!
2
Everyone lies, everyone flatters, and everyone deceives.
Nothing but empty talk, smooth talk, and double-talk.
Where are the truthful?
3
You will destroy every proud liar who says, “We lie all we want.
Our words are our weapons, and we won’t be held accountable.
Who can stop us?”
May the Lord cut off their twisted tongues
and seal their lying lips.
May they all be silenced — those who boast and brag with their
high-minded talk about doing whatever they want.
4
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But the Lord says, “Now I will arise!
I will defend the poor,
those who were plundered, the oppressed,
and the needy who groan for help.
I will arise to rescue and protect them!”
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For every word God speaks is sure and every promise pure.
His truth is tested, found to be flawless, and ever faithful.
It’s as pure as silver refined seven times in a crucible of clay.
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out of the reach of the wicked.
Even though they strut and prowl,
tolerating and celebrating what is worthless and vile,
you will still lift up those who are yours!
1
For the Pure and Shining One, by King David
I’m hurting, Lord — will you forget me forever?
How much longer, Lord?
Will you look the other way when I’m in need?
2
How much longer must I cling to this constant grief?
I’ve endured this shaking of my soul.
So how much longer will my enemy have the upper hand?
It’s been long enough!
3
Take a good look at me, God, and answer me!
Breathe your life into my spirit.
Bring light to my eyes in this pitch-black darkness
or I will sleep the sleep of death.
4
Don’t let my enemy proclaim, “I’ve prevailed over him.”
For all my adversaries will celebrate when I fall.
5
Lord, I have always trusted in your kindness, so answer me.
I will yet celebrate with passion and joy
when your salvation lifts me up.
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I will sing my song of joy to you, the Most High,
for in all of this you have strengthened my soul.
My enemies say that I have no Savior,
but I know that I have one in you!
1
For the Pure and Shining One, by King David
Only the withering soul would say to himself,
“There is no God.”
Anyone who thinks like this is corrupt and callous,
depraved and detestable, devoid of what is good.
2
The Lord looks down in love,
bending over heaven’s balcony,
looking over all of Adam’s sons and daughters.
He’s looking to see if there is anyone who acts wisely,
any who are searching for God and wanting to please him.
3
But no, everyone has wandered astray,
walking stubbornly toward evil.
Not one is good; he can’t even find one.
4
Look how they live in luxury while exploiting my people!
Won’t these workers of wickedness ever learn?
They don’t ever even think of praying to God.
5
But just look at them now, in panic, trembling with terror.
For the Lord is on the side of the generation of loyal lovers.
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The Lord is always the safest place for the poor
when the workers of wickedness oppress them.
7
How I wish that Israel’s rescue
would arise from the midst of Zion!
When his people are restored,
Jacob’s joy will break forth
and Israel will be glad!
1
A poetic song, by King David
Lord, who dares to dwell with you?
Who presumes the privilege of being close to you,
living next to you in your shining place of glory?
Who are those who daily dwell in the life of the Holy Spirit?
2
They are passionate and wholehearted,
always sincere and always speaking the truth —
for their hearts are trustworthy.
3
They refuse to slander or insult others;
they’ll never listen to gossip or rumors,
nor would they ever harm another with their words.
4
They will speak out passionately against evil and evil workers
while commending the faithful ones who follow after the truth.
They make firm commitments and follow through,
even at great cost.
5
They never crush others with exploitation or abuse
and they would never be bought with a bribe
against the innocent.
They will never be shaken; they will stand firm forever.
1
A precious song, engraved in gold, by King David
Keep me safe, O mighty God.
I run for dear life to you, my safe place.
2
So I said to the Lord God,
“You are my Maker, my Mediator, and my Master.
Any good thing you find in me has come from you.”
3
And he said to me, “My holy lovers are wonderful,
my majestic ones, my glorious ones,
fulfilling all my desires.”
4
Yet there are those who yield to their weakness,
and they will have troubles and sorrows unending.
I never gather with such ones,
nor give them honor in any way.
5
Lord, I have chosen you alone as my inheritance.
You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion.
I leave my destiny and its timing in your hands.
6
Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places.
I’m overwhelmed by the privileges
that come with following you,
for you have given me the best!
7
The way you counsel and correct me makes me praise you more,
for your whispers in the night give me wisdom,
showing me what to do next.
8
Because you are close to me and always available,
my confidence will never be shaken,
for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment.
9
My heart and soul explode with joy — full of glory!
Even my body will rest confident and secure.
10
For you will not abandon me to the realm of death,
nor will you allow your Holy One to experience corruption.
11
For you bring me a continual revelation of resurrection life,
the path to the bliss that brings me face-to-face with you.
1
A priestly prayer, by King David
Listen to me, Lord.
Hear the passionate prayer of this honest man.
It’s my piercing cry for justice!
My cause is just and my need is real.
I’ve done what’s right and my lips speak truth.
2
Lord, I always live my life before your face,
so examine and exonerate me.
Vindicate me and show the world I’m innocent.
3
For in a visitation of the night
you inspected my heart and refined my soul in fire
until nothing vile was found in me.
I’ve wanted my words and my ways to always agree.
4
Following your word has kept me from wrong.
Your ways have molded my footsteps, keeping me
from going down the forbidden paths of the destroyer.
5
My steps follow in the tracks of your chariot wheels,
always staying in their path,
never straying from your way.
6
You will answer me, God; I know you always will,
like you always do as you listen with love to my every prayer.
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Magnify the marvels of your mercy to all who seek you.
Make your Pure One wonderful to me,
like you do for all those who turn aside
to hide themselves in you.
8
Protect me from harm;
keep an eye on me like you would a child
reflected in the twinkling of your eye.
Yes, hide me within the shelter of your embrace,
under your outstretched wings.
9
Protect me there from all my foes.
For there are many who surround my soul
to completely destroy me.
10
They are pitiless, heartless — hard as nails,
swollen with pride and filled with arrogance!
11
See how they close in on me,
waiting for the chance to throw me to the ground.
12
They’re like lions eager to tear me apart,
like young and fearless lions lurking in secret,
so ferocious and cruel — ready to rip me to shreds.
13
Arise, God, and confront them!
Challenge them with your might!
Free me from their clutches and rescue me from their rage.
14
Throw them down to the ground,
those who live for only this life on earth.
Thrust them out of their prosperity
and into their portion in eternity,
leaving their wealth and wickedness behind!
15
As for me, because I am innocent I will see your face
until I see you for who you really are.
Then I will awaken with your form and be fully satisfied,
fulfilled in the revelation of your glory in me!
1
Praises sung to the Pure and Shining One, by King David,
his servant, composed when the Lord rescued David from all
his many enemies, including from the brutality of Saul
Lord, I passionately love you and I’m bonded to you!
I want to embrace you, for now you’ve become my power!
2
You’re as real to me as bedrock beneath my feet,
like a castle on a cliff, my forever firm fortress,
my mountain of hiding, my pathway of escape,
my tower of rescue where none can reach me.
My secret strength and shield around me,
you are salvation’s ray of brightness shining on the hillside,
always the champion of my cause.
3
All I need to do is to call to you,
singing to you, the praiseworthy God.
When I do, I’m safe and sound in you.
4
and terrifying torrents of destruction overwhelmed me,
taking me to death’s door, to doom’s domain,
5
6
I cried out to you in my distress, the delivering God,
and from your temple-throne you heard my troubled cry.
My sobs came right into your heart
and you turned your face to rescue me.
7
The earth itself shivered and shook.
It reeled and rocked before him.
As the mountains trembled, they melted away!
For his anger was kindled, burning on my behalf.
8
Fierce flames leapt from his mouth,
erupting with blazing, burning coals as smoke
and fire encircled him.
9
Swiftly he rode to earth as the stormy sky was lowered.
He rode a chariot of thunderclouds amidst thick darkness,
a cherub his steed as he swooped down,
soaring on the wings of Spirit-wind.
10
11
Wrapped and hidden in the thick-cloud darkness,
his thunder-tabernacle surrounded him.
He hid himself in mystery-darkness;
the dense rain clouds were his garments.
12
Suddenly the brilliance of his presence broke through
with lightning bolts and with a mighty storm from heaven —
like a tempest dropping coals of fire.
13
The Lord thundered, the great God above every god
spoke with his thunder-voice from the skies.
What fearsome hailstones and flashes of fire were before him!
14
He released his lightning-arrows, and routed my foes.
See how they ran and scattered in fear!
15
Then with his mighty roar he laid bare the foundations of the earth,
uncovering the secret source of the sea.
The hidden depths of land and sea were exposed
by the hurricane-blast of his hot breath.
16
He then reached down from heaven,
all the way from the sky to the sea.
He reached down into my darkness to rescue me!
He took me out of my calamity and chaos
and drew me to himself,
taking me from the depths of my despair!
17
Even though I was helpless in the hands
of my hateful, strong enemy,
you were good to deliver me.
18
When I was at my weakest, my enemies attacked —
but the Lord held on to me.
19
His love broke open the way
and he brought me into a beautiful broad place.
He rescued me — because his delight is in me!
20
He rewarded me for doing what’s right and staying pure.
21
I will follow his commands and never stop.
I’ll not sin by ceasing to follow him, no matter what.
22
For I’ve kept my eyes focused on his righteous words
and I’ve obeyed everything that he’s told me to do.
23
I’ve done my best to be blameless and to follow all his ways,
keeping my heart pure.
24
I’ve kept my integrity by surrendering to him.
And so the Lord has rewarded me with his blessing.
This is the treasure I discovered
when I kept my heart clean before his eyes.
25
Lord, it is clear to me now that how we live
will dictate how you deal with us.
Good people will taste your goodness, Lord.
And to those who are loyal to you,
you love to prove that you are loyal and true.
26
And for those who are purified, they find you always pure.
But you’ll outwit the crooked and cunning with your craftiness.
27
To the humble you bring heaven’s deliverance.
But the proud and haughty you disregard.
28
God, all at once you turned on a floodlight for me!
You are the revelation-light in my darkness,
and in your brightness I can see the path ahead.
29
With you as my strength I can crush an enemy horde,
advancing through every stronghold that stands in front of me.
30
What a God you are! Your path for me has been perfect!
All your promises have proven true.
What a secure shelter for all those
who turn to hide themselves in you!
You are the wrap-around God giving grace to me.
31
Could there be any other god like you?
You are the only God to be worshiped,
for there is not a more secure foundation
to build my life upon than you.
32
You have wrapped me in power,
and now you’ve shared with me your perfection.
33
Through you I ascend to the highest peaks of your glory
to stand in the heavenly places, strong and secure in you.
34
You’ve trained me with the weapons of warfare-worship;
now I’ll descend into battle with power
to chase and conquer my foes.
35
You empower me for victory with your wrap-around presence.
Your power within makes me strong to subdue,
and by stooping down in gentleness
you strengthened me and made me great!
36
You’ve set me free from captivity
and now I’m standing complete, ready to fight some more!
37
I caught up with my enemies and conquered them,
and didn’t turn back until the war was won!
38
I pinned them to the ground and broke them to pieces.
I finished them once and for all; they’re as good as dead.
39
You’ve placed your armor upon me
and defeated my enemies, making them bow low at my feet.
40
You’ve made them all turn tail and run,
for through you I’ve destroyed them all!
Forever silenced, they’ll never taunt me again.
41
They shouted for help but not one dared to rescue them.
They shouted to God but he refused to answer them.
42
So I pulverized them to powder and cast them to the wind.
I swept them away like dirt on the floor.
43
You gave me victory on every side,
for look how the nations come to serve me.
Even those I’ve never heard of come and bow at my feet.
44
As soon as they heard of me they submitted to me.
Even the rebel foreigners obey my every word.
45
Their rebellion fades away as they come near;
trembling in their strongholds,
they come crawling out of their hideouts.
Cringing in fear before me, their courage is gone.
46
The Almighty is alive and conquers all!
Praise is lifted high to the unshakable God!
Towering over all, my Savior-God is worthy to be praised!
47
Look how he pays back harm to all who harm me,
subduing all the people who come against me.
48
He rescues me from my enemies;
he lifts me up high and keeps me out of reach,
far from the grasp of my violent foe.
49
This is why I thank God with high praises!
I will sing my song to the highest God,
so all among the nations will hear me.
50
You have appointed me king and rescued me
time and time again with your magnificent miracles.
You’ve been merciful and kind to me, your anointed one.
This favor will be forever seen upon your loving servant, David,
and to all my descendants!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A poem of praise by King David, his loving servant God’s Story in the Skies
God’s splendor is a tale that is told;
his testament is written in the stars.
Space itself speaks his story every day
through the marvels of the heavens.
His truth is on tour in the starry vault of the sky,
showing his skill in creation’s craftsmanship.
2
Each day gushes out its message to the next,
night with night whispering its knowledge to all.
3
Without a sound, without a word, without a voice being heard,
4
Yet all the world can see its story.
Everywhere its gospel is clearly read so all may know.
5
What a heavenly home God has set for the sun,
shining in the superdome of the sky!
See how he leaves his celestial chamber each morning,
radiant as a bridegroom ready for his wedding,
like a day-breaking champion eager to run his course.
6
He rises on one horizon, completing his circuit on the other,
warming lives and lands with his heat.
7
God’s Word is perfect in every way;
how it revives our souls!
His laws lead us to truth,
and his ways change the simple into wise.
8
His teachings make us joyful and radiate his light;
his precepts are so pure!
His commands, how they challenge us to keep close to his heart!
The revelation-light of his word makes my spirit shine radiant.
9
Every one of the Lord’s commands is right;
following them brings cheer.
Nothing he says ever needs to be changed.
10
The rarest treasures of life are found in his truth.
That’s why I prize God’s word like others prize the finest gold.
Nothing brings the soul such sweetness
as seeking his living words.
11
For they warn us, his servants,
and keep us from following the wicked way,
giving a lifetime guarantee:
great success to every obedient soul!
12
Without this revelation-light,
how would I ever detect the waywardness of my heart?
Lord, forgive my hidden flaws whenever you find them.
13
Keep cleansing me, God,
and keep me from my secret, selfish sins;
may they never rule over me!
For only then will I be free from fault
and remain innocent of rebellion.
14
So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts,
and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing,
acceptable before your eyes,
my only Redeemer, my Protector-God.
1
For the Pure and Shining One
For the end times, by King David
In your day of danger may the Lord answer and deliver you.
May the name of the God of Jacob set you safely on high!
2
May supernatural help be sent from his sanctuary.
May he support you from Zion’s fortress!
3
May he remember every gift you have given him
and celebrate every sacrifice of love you have shown him.
— Pause in his presence
4
May God give you every desire of your heart
and carry out your every plan as you go to battle.
5
When you succeed, we will celebrate and shout for joy.
Flags will fly when victory is yours!
Yes, God will answer your prayers and we will praise him!
6
I know God gives me all that I ask for
and brings victory to his anointed king.
My deliverance cry will be heard in his holy heaven.
By his mighty hand miracles will manifest
through his saving strength.
7
Some find their strength in their weapons and wisdom,
but my miracle deliverance can never be won by men.
Our boast is in the Lord our God,
who makes us strong and gives us victory!
8
Our enemies will not prevail; they will only collapse and
perish in defeat while we will rise up, full of courage.
9
Give victory to our king, O God!
The day we call on you, give us your answer!
1
For the end time, to the Pure and Shining One
King David’s poem of praise
Lord, because of your strength the king is strong.
Look how he rejoices in you!
He bursts out with a joyful song because of your victory!
2
For you have given him his heart’s desire,
anything and everything he asks for.
You haven’t withheld a thing from your betrothed one.
— Pause in his presence
3
Rich blessings overflow with every encounter with you,
and you placed a royal crown of gold upon his head.
4
He wanted resurrection — you have given it to him and more!
The days of his blessing stretch on one after another, forever!
5
You have honored him and made him famous.
Glory garments are upon him,
and you surround him with splendor and majesty.
6
Your victory heaps blessing after blessing upon him.
What joy and bliss he tastes, rejoicing before your face!
7
For the king trusts endlessly in you,
and he will never stumble, never fall.
Your forever-love never fails and holds him firm.
8
Your almighty hands have captured your foes.
You uncovered all who hate you and you seized them.
9
unveiling the radiance of your face,
they will be consumed by the fierce fire of your presence.
Flames will swallow them up.
They and their descendants
will be destroyed by an unrelenting fire.
10
11
We will watch them fail,
for these are ones who plan their evil schemes against the Lord.
12
They will turn and run at the sight of your judgment-arrow
aimed straight at their hearts.
13
Rise up and put your might on display!
By your strength we will sing and praise your glorious power!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
King David’s song of anguish
To the tune of “The Deer at the Dawning of the Day”
God, my God!
Why would you abandon me now?
2
Why do you remain distant,
refusing to answer my tearful cries in the day
and my desperate cries for your help in the night?
I can’t stop sobbing.
Where are you, my God?
3
Yet I know that you are most holy; it’s indisputable.
You are God-Enthroned, surrounded with songs,
living among the shouts of praise of your princely people.
4
Our fathers’ faith was in you —
through the generations they trusted and believed in you
and you came through.
5
Every time they cried out to you in their despair,
you were faithful to deliver them;
you didn’t disappoint them.
6
But look at me now; I am like a woeful worm,
crushed, and I’m bleeding crimson.
I don’t even look like a man anymore.
I’ve been abused, despised, and scorned by everyone!
7
Mocked by their jeers, despised with their sneers,
as all the people poke fun at me, spitting their insults,
8
saying, “Is this the one who trusted in God?
Is this the one who claims God is pleased with him?
Now let’s see if your God will come to your rescue!
We’ll just see how much he delights in you!”
9
Lord, you delivered me safely from my mother’s womb.
You are the one who cared for me ever since I was a baby.
10
Since the day I was born, I’ve been placed in your custody.
You’ve cradled me throughout my days.
I’ve trusted in you and you’ve always been my God.
11
So don’t leave me now; stay close to me!
For trouble is all around me and there’s no one else to help me.
12
I’m surrounded by many violent foes;
mighty forces of evil are swirling around me
who want to break me to bits and destroy me.
13
Curses pour from their mouths!
They’re like ravenous, roaring lions tearing their prey.
14
Now I’m completely exhausted; I’m spent.
Every joint of my body has been pulled apart.
My courage has vanished and
my inward parts have melted away.
15
I’m so thirsty and parched — dry as a bone.
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
And now you’ve left me in the dust for dead.
16
They have pierced my hands and my feet.
Like a pack of wild dogs they tear at me,
swirling around me with their hatred.
They gather around me like lions to pin my hands and feet.
17
All my bones stick out.
Look at how they all gloat over me and stare!
18
With a toss of the dice they divide my clothes among themselves,
gambling for my garments!
19
Lord, my God, please don’t stay far away.
For you are my only might and strength.
Won’t you come quickly to my rescue?
20
Give me back my life.
Save me from this violent death.
Save my precious one and only
from the power of these demons!
21
Save me from all the power of the enemy,
from this roaring lion raging against me
and the power of his dark horde.
22
I will praise your name before all my brothers;
as my people gather I will praise you in their midst.
23
Lovers of Yahweh, praise him!
Let all the true seed of Jacob glorify him with your praises.
Stand in awe of him, all you princely people,
the offspring of Israel!
24
For he has not despised my cries of deep despair.
He’s my first responder to my sufferings,
and he didn’t look the other way when I was in pain.
He was there all the time, listening to the song of the afflicted.
25
You’re the reason for my praise; it comes from you and goes to you.
I will keep my promise to praise you before all who fear you
among the congregation of your people.
26
I will invite the poor and broken,
and they will come and eat until satisfied.
Bring Yahweh praise and you will find him.
Your hearts will overflow with life forever!
27
From the four corners of the earth,
the peoples of the world will remember and return to the Lord.
Every nation will come and worship him.
28
For the Lord is King of all, who takes charge of all the nations.
29
There they are! They’re worshiping!
The wealthy of this world will feast in fellowship with him
right alongside the humble of heart,
bowing down to the dust, forsaking their own souls.
They will all come and worship this worthy King!
30
His spiritual seed shall serve him.
Future generations will hear from us
about the wonders of the Sovereign Lord.
31
His generation yet to be born will glorify him.
And they will all declare, “It is finished!”
1
David’s poetic praise to God
The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd.
I always have more than enough.
2
He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.
His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss.
3
That’s where he restores and revives my life.
He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure
and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness
so that I can bring honor to his name.
4
Lord, even when your path takes me through
the valley of deepest darkness,
fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your love takes away my fear.
I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.
5
You become my delicious feast
even when my enemies dare to fight.
You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit;
you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows.
6
So why would I fear the future?
For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life.
Then afterward, when my life is through,
I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!
1
David’s poetic praise to God
God claims the world as his.
Everything and everyone belongs to him!
2
He’s the one who pushed back oceans
to let the dry ground appear,
planting firm foundations for the earth.
3
Who, then, ascends into the presence of the Lord?
And who has the privilege of entering into God’s Holy Place?
4
Those who are clean — whose works and ways are pure,
whose hearts are true and sealed by the truth,
those who never deceive, whose words are sure.
5
They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and righteousness given by the Savior-God.
6
They will stand before God,
for they seek the pleasure of God’s face, the God of Jacob.
— Pause in his presence
7
So wake up, you living gateways!
Lift up your heads, you ageless doors of destiny!
Welcome the King of Glory,
for he is about to come through you.
8
You ask, “Who is this Glory-King?”
The Lord, armed and ready for battle,
the Mighty One, invincible in every way!
9
So wake up, you living gateways, and rejoice!
Fling wide, you ageless doors of destiny!
Here he comes; the King of Glory is ready to come in.
10
You ask, “Who is this King of Glory?”
He is the Lord of Victory, armed and ready for battle,
the Mighty One, the invincible commander of heaven’s hosts!
Yes, he is the King of Glory!
— Pause in his presence
1
King David’s poetic praise to God
Forever I will lift up my soul into your presence, Lord.
2
Be there for me, God, for I keep trusting in you.
Don’t allow my foes to gloat over me or
the shame of defeat to overtake me.
3
For how could anyone be disgraced
when he has entwined his heart with you?
But they will all be defeated and ashamed
when they harm the innocent.
4
Lord, direct me throughout my journey
so I can experience your plans for my life.
Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to you.
5
Escort me along the way; take me by the hand and teach me.
For you are the God of my increasing salvation;
I have wrapped my heart into yours!
6
and overlook the sins of my immaturity.
Give me grace, Lord! Always look at me
through your eyes of love —
your forgiving eyes of mercy and compassion.
When you think of me, see me as one you love and care for.
How good you are to me!
7
8
When people turn to you,
they discover how easy you are to please — so faithful and true!
Joyfully you teach them the proper path,
even when they go astray.
9
Keep showing the humble your path,
and lead them into the best decision.
Bring revelation-light that trains them in the truth.
10
All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who follow the ways of his covenant.
11
For the honor of your name, Lord,
never count my sins, and forgive them all —
lift their burden off of my life!
12
But still one question remains:
How do I live in the holy fear of God?
Show me the right path to take.
13
Then prosperity and favor will be my portion,
and my descendants will inherit all that is good.
14
There’s a private place reserved for the lovers of God,
where they sit near him and receive
the revelation-secrets of his promises.
15
Rescue me, Lord, for you’re my only hero.
16
Sorrows fill my heart as I feel helpless, mistreated —
I’m all alone and in misery!
Come closer to me now, Lord, for I need your mercy.
17
Turn to me, for my problems seem to be going from bad to worse.
Only you can free me from all these troubles!
18
Until you lift this burden, the burden of all my sins,
my troubles and trials will be more than I can handle.
Can’t you feel my pain?
19
Vicious enemies hate me.
There are so many, Lord. Can’t you see?
20
Will you protect me from their power against me?
Let it never be said that I trusted you
and you didn’t come to my rescue.
21
Your perfection and faithfulness are my bodyguards,
for you are my hope and I trust in you as my only protection.
22
Zealously, God, we ask you
to come save Israel from all her troubles,
for you provide the ransom price for your people!
1
King David’s poetic praise to God
You be my judge and declare me innocent!
Clear my name, for I have tried my best to keep your laws
and to trust you without wavering.
2
Lord, you can scrutinize me.
Refine my heart and probe my every thought.
Put me to the test and you’ll find it’s true.
3
I will never lose sight of your love for me.
Your faithfulness has steadied my steps.
4
I won’t keep company with tricky, two-faced men,
nor will I go the way of those who defraud with hidden motives.
5
I despise the sinner’s hangouts, refusing to even enter them.
You won’t find me walking among the wicked.
6
approaching your altar with songs of thanksgiving,
singing the songs of your mighty miracles.
7
8
Lord, I love your home, this place of dazzling glory,
bathed in the splendor and light of your presence!
9
Don’t treat me as one of these scheming sinners
who plot violence against the innocent.
10
Look how they devise their wicked plans,
holding the innocent hostage for ransom.
11
I’m not like them, Lord — not at all.
Save me, redeem me with your mercy,
for I have chosen to walk only in what is right.
12
I will proclaim it publicly in every congregation,
and because of you, Lord,
I will take my stand on righteousness alone!
1
David’s poetic praise to God before he was anointed king
The Lord is my revelation-light to guide me along the way;
he’s the source of my salvation to defend me every day.
I fear no one!
I’ll never turn back and run from you, Lord;
surround and protect me.
2
When evil ones come to destroy me,
they will be the ones who turn back.
3
My heart will not be afraid even if an army rises to attack.
I know that you are there for me, so I will not be shaken.
4
Here’s the one thing I crave from God,
the one thing I seek above all else:
I want the privilege of living with him every moment in his house,
finding the sweet loveliness of his face,
filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace.
I want to live my life so close to him
that he takes pleasure in my every prayer.
5
for he hides me there in his holiness.
He has smuggled me into his secret place,
where I’m kept safe and secure —
out of reach from all my enemies.
Triumphant now, I’ll bring him my offerings of praise,
singing and shouting with ecstatic joy!
Yes, listen and you can hear
the fanfare of my shouts of praise to the Lord!
6
7
God, hear my cry. Show me your grace.
Show me mercy, and send the help I need!
8
Lord, when you said to me, “Seek my face,”
my inner being responded,
“I’m seeking your face with all my heart.”
9
So don’t hide yourself, Lord, when I come to find you.
You’re the God of my salvation;
how can you reject your servant in anger?
You’ve been my only hope,
so don’t forsake me now when I need you!
10
My father and mother abandoned me. I’m like an orphan!
But you took me in and made me yours.
11
Now teach me all about your ways and tell me what to do.
Make it clear for me to understand,
for I am surrounded by waiting enemies.
12
Don’t let them defeat me, Lord.
You can’t let me fall into their clutches!
They keep accusing me of things I’ve never done
while they plot evil against me.
13
Yet I totally trust you to rescue me one more time,
so that I can see once again how good you are while I’m still alive!
14
Here’s what I’ve learned through it all:
Don’t give up; don’t be impatient;
be entwined as one with the Lord.
Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope.
Yes, keep on waiting — for he will never disappoint you!
1
David’s poetic praise to God
I’m pleading with you, Lord, help me!
Don’t close your ears to my cry, for you’re my defender.
If you continue to remain aloof and refuse to answer me,
I might as well give up and die.
2
Can’t you see me turning toward your mercy seat
as I lift my hands in surrendered prayer?
Now, Lord, please listen to my cry.
3
Don’t allow me to be punished along with the wicked —
these hypocrites who speak sweetly to their neighbors’ faces
while holding evil against them in their hearts.
4
Go ahead and punish them as they deserve.
Let them be paid back for all their evil plans
in proportion to their wickedness.
5
Since they don’t care anything about you,
or about the great things you’ve done,
take them down like an old building being demolished,
never again to be rebuilt.
6
But may your name be blessed and built up!
For you have answered my passionate cry for mercy.
7
You are my strength and my shield from every danger.
When I fully trust in you, help is on the way.
I jump for joy and burst forth with ecstatic, passionate praise!
I will sing songs of what you mean to me!
8
You will be the inner strength of all your people,
the mighty protector of all,
the saving strength for all your anointed ones.
9
Keep protecting and cherishing your chosen ones;
in you they will never fall.
Like a shepherd going before us, keep leading us forward,
forever carrying us in your arms!
1
King David’s poetic praise to God for the last days
The Feast of Tabernacles
Proclaim his majesty, all you mighty champions,
you sons of Almighty God,
giving all the glory and strength back to him!
2
Be in awe before his majesty.
Be in awe before such power and might!
Come worship wonderful Yahweh, arrayed in all his splendor,
bowing in worship as he appears in all his holy beauty.
Give him the honor due his name.
Worship him wearing the glory-garments
of your holy, priestly calling!
3
The Glory-God reigns as he thunders in the clouds.
So powerful is his voice, so brilliant and bright,
how majestic as he thunders over the great waters!
4
5
His tympanic thunder topples the strongest of trees.
His symphonic sound splinters the mighty forests.
6
Now he moves Zion’s mountains by the might of his voice,
shaking the snowy peaks with his earsplitting sound!
7
The lightning-fire flashes, striking as he speaks.
8
God reveals himself when he makes the fault lines quake,
shaking deserts, speaking his voice.
9
God’s mighty voice makes the deer to give birth.
His thunderbolt voice lays the forest bare.
In his temple all fall before him with each one shouting,
“Glory, glory, the God of glory!”
10
Above the furious flood, the Enthroned One reigns,
the King-God rules with eternity at his side.
11
This is the one who gives his strength and might to his people.
This is the Lord giving us his kiss of peace.
1
King David’s poetic praise to God
A song for the Feast of Dedication of the dwelling place
Lord, I will exalt you and lift you high,
for you have lifted me up on high!
Over all my boasting, gloating enemies,
you made me to triumph.
2
O Lord, my healing God,
I cried out for a miracle and you healed me!
3
You brought me back from the brink of death,
from the depths below.
Now here I am, alive and well, fully restored!
4
O sing and make melody, you steadfast lovers of God.
Give thanks to him every time you reflect on his holiness!
5
I’ve learned that his anger lasts for a moment,
but his loving favor lasts a lifetime!
We may weep through the night,
but at daybreak it will turn into shouts of ecstatic joy.
6
Nothing can stop me now!
I’m God’s favored one; he’s made me steady as a mountain!”
But then suddenly, you hid your face from me.
I was panic-stricken and became depressed.
7
8
Still I cried out to you, Lord God. I shouted out for mercy, saying,
9
“What would you gain in my death,
if I were to go down to the depths of darkness?
Will a grave sing your song?
How could death’s dust declare your faithfulness?”
10
So hear me now, Lord; show me your famous mercy.
O God, be my Savior and rescue me!
11
Then he broke through and transformed all my wailing
into a whirling dance of ecstatic praise!
He has torn the veil and lifted from me
the sad heaviness of mourning.
He wrapped me in the glory garments of gladness.
12
How could I be silent when it’s time to praise you?
Now my heart sings out loud, bursting with joy —
a bliss inside that keeps me singing,
“I can never thank you enough!”
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A song of poetic praise, by King David
I trust you, Lord, to be my hiding place.
Don’t let me down.
Don’t let my enemies bring me to shame.
Come and rescue me, for you are the only God
who always does what is right.
2
Rescue me quickly when I cry out to you.
At the sound of my prayer may your ear be turned to me.
Be my strong shelter and hiding place on high.
Pull me into victory and breakthrough.
3
You are to me a stronghold of salvation.
When you deliver me out of this peril,
it will bring glory to your name.
As you guide me forth I’ll be kept safe
from the hidden snares of the enemy —
the secret traps that lie before me —
for you have become my rock of strength.
4
5
Into your hands I now entrust my spirit.
O Lord, the God of faithfulness,
you have rescued and redeemed me.
6
I despise these deceptive illusions,
all this pretense and nonsense,
for I worship only you.
7
In mercy you have seen my troubles and you have cared for me;
even during this crisis in my soul I will be radiant with joy,
filled with praise for your love and mercy.
8
You have kept me from being conquered by my enemy;
you broke open the way to bring me to freedom,
into a beautiful, broad place.
9
O Lord, help me again! Keep showing me such mercy.
For I am in anguish, always in tears,
and I’m worn-out with weeping.
I’m becoming old because of grief; my health is broken.
10
I’m exhausted! My life is spent with sorrow,
my years with sighing and sadness.
Because of all these troubles, I have no more strength.
My inner being is so weak and frail.
11
My enemies say, “You are nothing!”
Even my friends and neighbors hold me in contempt!
They dread seeing me
and they look the other way when I pass by.
12
I am totally forgotten, buried away like a dead man,
discarded like a broken dish thrown in the trash.
13
I overheard their whispered threats, the slander of my enemies.
I’m terrified as they plot and scheme to take my life.
14
I’m desperate, Lord! I throw myself upon you,
for you alone are my God!
15
My life, my every moment, my destiny — it’s all in your hands.
So I know you can deliver me
from those who persecute me relentlessly.
16
Let your shining face shine on me.
Let your undying love and glorious grace
save me from all this gloom.
17
As I call upon you, let my shame and disgrace
be replaced by your favor once again.
But let shame and disgrace fall instead upon the wicked —
those going to their own doom,
drifting down in silence to the dust of death.
18
At last their lying lips will be muted in their graves.
For they are arrogant, filled with contempt and conceit
as they speak against the godly.
19
Lord, how wonderful you are!
You have stored up so many good things for us,
like a treasure chest heaped up and spilling over with blessings —
all for those who honor and worship you!
Everybody knows what you can do
for those who turn and hide themselves in you.
20
So hide all your beloved ones
in the sheltered, secret place before your face.
Overshadow them by your glory-presence.
Keep them from these accusations, the brutal insults of evil men.
Tuck them safely away in the tabernacle where you dwell.
21
The name of the Lord is blessed and lifted high!
For his marvelous miracle of mercy protected me
when I was overwhelmed by my enemies.
22
I spoke hastily when I said, “The Lord has deserted me.”
For in truth, you did hear my prayer and came to rescue me.
23
Listen to me, all you godly ones: Love the Lord with passion!
The Lord protects and preserves all those who are loyal to him.
But he pays back in full all those who reject him in their pride.
24
So cheer up! Take courage all you who love him.
Wait for him to break through for you, all who trust in him!
1
A poem of insight and instruction, by King David
How happy and fulfilled are those
whose rebellion has been forgiven,
those whose sins are covered by blood.
2
How blessed and relieved are those
who have confessed their corruption to God!
For he wipes their slates clean
and removes hypocrisy from their hearts.
3
Before I confessed my sins, I kept it all inside;
my dishonesty devastated my inner life,
causing my life to be filled with frustration,
irrepressible anguish, and misery.
4
The pain never let up, for your hand of conviction
was heavy on my heart.
My strength was sapped, my inner life dried up
like a spiritual drought within my soul.
— Pause in his presence
5
Then I finally admitted to you all my sins,
refusing to hide them any longer.
I said, “My life-giving God,
I will openly acknowledge my evil actions.”
And you forgave me!
All at once the guilt of my sin washed away
and all my pain disappeared!
— Pause in his presence
6
This is what I’ve learned through it all:
All believers should confess their sins to God;
do it every time God has uncovered you
in the time of exposing.
For if you do this, when sudden storms of life overwhelm,
you’ll be kept safe.
7
Lord, you are my secret hiding place,
protecting me from these troubles,
surrounding me with songs of gladness!
Your joyous shouts of rescue release my breakthrough.
— Pause in his presence
8
instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life.
I will advise you along the way
and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide.
So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn
when I take you where you’ve not been before.
Don’t make me tug you and pull you along.
Just come with me!”
9
10
So my conclusion is this:
Many are the sorrows and frustrations
of those who don’t come clean with God.
But when you trust in the Lord for forgiveness,
his wrap-around love will surround you.
11
So celebrate the goodness of God!
He shows this kindness to everyone who is his.
Go ahead — shout for joy,
all you upright ones who want to please him!
1
Poetic praise, by King David
It’s time to sing and shout for joy!
Go ahead, all you redeemed ones, do it!
Praise him with all you have,
for praise looks lovely on the lips of God’s lovers.
2
Play the guitar as you lift your praises loaded with thanksgiving.
Sing and make joyous music with all you’ve got inside.
3
Compose new melodies that release new praises to the Lord.
Play his praises on instruments
with the anointing and skill he gives you.
Sing and shout with passion; make a spectacular sound of joy —
4
For God’s Word is something to sing about!
He is true to his promises, his word can be trusted,
and everything he does is reliable and right.
5
The Lord loves seeing justice on the earth.
Anywhere and everywhere you can find his faithful, unfailing love!
6
All he had to do was speak by his Spirit-wind command,
and God created the heavenlies.
Filled with galaxies and stars,
the vast cosmos he wonderfully made.
7
His voice scooped out the seas.
The ocean depths he poured into vast reservoirs.
8
Now, with breathtaking wonder,
let everyone worship Yahweh, this awe-inspiring Creator.
9
Words he breathed and worlds were birthed.
“Let there be,” and there it was —
Springing forth the moment he spoke.
No sooner said than done!
10
With his breath he scatters the schemes of nations who oppose him;
they will never succeed.
11
His destiny-plan for the earth stands sure.
His forever-plan remains in place and will never fail.
12
Blessed and prosperous is that nation who has God as their Lord!
They will be the people he has chosen for his own.
13
Gazing into every heart from his lofty dwelling place,
he observes all the peoples of the earth.
The Creator of our hearts considers and examines everything we do.
14
15
16
Even if a king has the best-equipped army,
it would never be enough to save him.
Even if the best warrior went to battle,
he could not be saved simply by his strength alone.
17
Human strength and the weapons of man
are false hopes for victory;
they may seem mighty but they will always disappoint.
18
The eyes of the Lord are upon
even the weakest worshipers who love him —
those who wait in hope and expectation
for the strong, steady love of God.
19
God will deliver them from death,
even the certain death of famine, with no one to help.
20
The Lord alone is our radiant hope
and we trust in him with all our hearts.
His wrap-around presence will strengthen us.
21
As we trust, we rejoice with an uncontained joy
flowing from Yahweh!
22
Let your love and steadfast kindness overshadow us
continually, for we trust and we wait upon you!
1
A song by King David composed after his escape from
the king when he pretended to be insane
Lord! I’m bursting with joy over what you’ve done for me!
My lips are full of perpetual praise.
2
I’m boasting of you and all your works,
so let all who are discouraged take heart.
3
Join me, everyone! Let’s praise the Lord together.
Let’s make him famous!
Let’s make his name glorious to all.
4
Listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress
and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears!
5
Gaze upon him, join your life with his, and joy will come.
Your faces will glisten with glory.
You’ll never wear that shame-face again.
6
When I had nothing, desperate and defeated,
I cried out to the Lord and he heard me,
bringing his miracle-deliverance when I needed it most.
7
The angel of the Lord stooped down to listen as I prayed,
encircling me, empowering me, and showing me how to escape.
He will do this for everyone who fears God.
8
Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God.
Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives
to all who turn to hide themselves in him.
9
Worship in awe and wonder, all you who’ve been made holy!
For all who fear him will feast with plenty.
10
Even the strong and the wealthy grow weak and hungry,
but those who passionately pursue the Lord
will never lack any good thing.
11
Come, children of God, and listen to me.
I’ll share the lesson I’ve learned of fearing the Lord.
12
enjoying the beauty that fills each day?
Then never speak a lie or allow wicked words
to come from your mouth.
13
14
Keep turning your back on every sin,
and make “peace” your life motto.
Practice being at peace with everyone.
15
The Lord sees all we do;
he watches over his friends day and night.
His godly ones receive the answers they seek
whenever they cry out to him.
16
But the Lord has made up his mind to oppose evildoers
and to wipe out even the memory of them
from the face of the earth.
17
Yet when holy lovers of God cry out
to him with all their hearts,
the Lord will hear them and come to rescue them
from all their troubles.
18
The Lord is close to all whose hearts are crushed by pain,
and he is always ready to restore the repentant one.
19
Even when bad things happen to the good and godly ones,
the Lord will save them and not let them be defeated
by what they face.
20
God will be your bodyguard to protect you
when trouble is near.
Not one bone will be broken.
21
But the wicked commit slow suicide.
For they hate and persecute the lovers of God.
Make no mistake about it,
God will hold them guilty and punish them;
they will pay the penalty!
22
But the Lord has paid for the freedom of his servants,
and he will freely pardon those who love him.
He will declare them free and innocent
when they turn to hide themselves in him.
1
A poetic song, by King David Part One — David, a Warrior
O Lord, fight for me! Harass the hecklers, accuse my accusers.
Fight those who fight against me.
2
Rise up, mighty God! Grab your weapons of war
and block the way of the wicked who come to fight me.
Stand for me when they stand against me!
Speak over my soul: “I am your strong Savior!”
3
4
Humiliate those who seek my harm. Defeat them all!
Frustrate their plans to defeat me and drive them back.
Disgrace them all as they have devised their plans to disgrace me.
5
Blow them away like dust in the wind,
with the Angel of Almighty God driving them back!
6
Make the road in front of them nothing but slippery darkness,
with the Angel of the Lord behind them, chasing them away!
7
For though I did nothing wrong to them, they set a trap for me,
wanting me to fall and fail.
8
Surprise them with your ambush, Lord,
and catch them in the very trap they set for me.
Let them be the ones to fail and fall into destruction!
9
Then my fears will dissolve into limitless joy;
my whole being will overflow with gladness
because of your mighty deliverance.
10
Everything inside of me will shout it out:
“There’s no one like you, Lord!”
For look at how you protect the weak and helpless
from the strong and heartless who oppress them.
11
They are malicious men, hostile witnesses of wrong.
They rise up against me, accusers appearing out of nowhere.
12
When I show them mercy, they bring me misery.
I’m forsaken and forlorn, like a motherless child.
13
I even prayed over them when they were sick.
I was burdened and bowed low with fasting
and interceded for their healing,
and I didn’t stop praying.
14
I grieved for them, heavyhearted,
as though they were my dearest family members
or my good friends who were sick,
nearing death, needing prayer.
15
But when I was the one who tripped up and stumbled,
they came together to slander me,
rejoicing in my time of trouble, tearing me to shreds
with their lies and betrayal.
16
These nameless ruffians,
mocking me like godless fools at a feast —
how they delight in throwing mud on my name.
17
God, how long can you just stand there doing nothing?
Now is the time to act.
Rescue me from these brutal men,
for I am being torn to shreds by these beasts
who are out to get me.
Save me from their rage, their cruel grasp.
18
Then I will praise you wherever I go.
And when everyone gathers for worship,
I will lift up your praise with a shout
in front of the largest crowd I can find!
19
Don’t let those who fight me for no reason be victorious.
Don’t let them succeed, these heartless haters
who come against me with their gloating sneers.
20
They are the ones who would never seek peace as friends,
for they are ever devising deceit against the innocent ones
who mind their own business.
21
They open their mouths with ugly grins,
gloating with glee over my every fault.
“Look,” they say, “we caught him red-handed!
We saw him fall with our own eyes!”
22
But my caring God, you have been there all along.
You have seen their hypocrisy.
God, don’t let them get away with this.
Don’t walk away without doing something.
23
Now is the time to awake! Rise up, Lord!
Vindicate me, my Lord and my God!
24
You have every right to judge me, Lord,
according to your righteousness,
but don’t let them rejoice over me when I stumble.
25
humiliated when they rejoice over my every blunder.
Shame them, Lord, when they say, “We saw what he did.
Now we have him right where we want him.
Let’s get him while he’s down!”
Make them look ridiculous when they exalt themselves over me.
May they all be disgraced and dishonored!
26
27
But let all my true friends shout for joy,
all those who know and love what I do for you.
Let them all say, “The Lord is great,
and he delights in the prosperity of his servant.”
28
Then I won’t be able to hold it in —
everyone will hear my joyous praises all day long!
Your righteousness will be the theme of my glory-song of praise!
1
A poetic song, by King David, the servant of the Lord
The rebellion of sin speaks as an oracle of God,
speaking deeply to the conscience of wicked men.
Yet they are still eager to sin,
for the fear of God is not before their eyes.
2
See how they flatter themselves,
unable to detect and detest their sins.
They are crooked and conceited,
convinced they can get away with anything.
3
Their wicked words are nothing but lies.
Wisdom is far from them.
Goodness is both forgotten and forsaken.
4
They lie awake at night to hatch their evil plots,
always planning their schemes of darkness,
and never once do they consider the evil of their ways.
5
But you, O Lord, your mercy-seat love is limitless,
reaching higher than the highest heavens.
Your great faithfulness is infinite,
stretching over the whole earth.
6
Your righteousness is unmovable,
just like the mighty mountains.
Your judgments are as full of wisdom
as the oceans are full of water.
Your tender care and kindness leave no one forgotten,
not a man nor even a mouse.
7
O God, how extravagant is your cherishing love!
All mankind can find a hiding place
under the shadow of your wings.
8
All may drink of the anointing from the abundance of your house.
All may drink their fill from the delightful springs of Eden.
9
To know you is to experience a flowing fountain,
drinking in your life, springing up to satisfy.
In the light of your holiness we receive the light of revelation.
10
Lord, keep pouring out your unfailing love
on those who are near you.
Release more of your blessings to those who are loyal to you.
11
Don’t let these proud boasters trample me down;
don’t let them push me around
by the sheer strength of their wickedness.
12
There they lie in the dirt, these evil ones,
thrown down to the ground, never to arise again!
1
Poetic praise, by King David
Don’t follow after the wicked ones or be jealous of their wealth.
Don’t think for a moment they’re better off than you.
2
They and their short-lived success
will soon shrivel up and quickly fade away
like grass clippings in the hot sun.
3
Keep trusting in the Lord and do what is right in his eyes.
Fix your heart on the promises of God and you will be secure,
feasting on his faithfulness.
4
Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life,
and he will provide for you what you desire the most.
5
Give God the right to direct your life,
and as you trust him along the way
you’ll find he pulled it off perfectly!
6
He will appear as your righteousness,
as sure as the dawning of a new day.
He will manifest as your justice,
as sure and strong as the noonday sun.
7
Quiet your heart in his presence and pray;
keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you.
And don’t think for a moment that the wicked in their prosperity
are better off than you.
8
Stay away from anger and revenge.
Keep envy far from you, for it only leads you into lies.
9
For one day the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord
will live safe and sound with blessings overflowing.
10
Just a little while longer and the ungodly will vanish;
you will look for them in vain.
11
But the humble of heart will inherit every promise
and enjoy abundant peace.
12
Let the wicked keep plotting against the godly
with all their sneers and arrogant jeers.
13
God doesn’t lose any sleep over them
and he knows their day is coming!
14
Evil ones take aim on the poor and helpless;
they are ready to slaughter those who do right.
15
But the Lord will
turn all their weapons of wickedness back on themselves,
piercing their pride-filled hearts until they are the helpless.
16
It is much better to have little
combined with much of God
than to have the fabulous wealth of the wicked and nothing else.
17
For the Lord takes care of all his forgiven ones
while the strength of the evil will surely slip away.
18
Day by day the Lord watches the good deeds of the godly
and he prepares for them his forever-reward.
19
Even in a time of disaster he will watch over them,
and they will always have more than enough
no matter what happens.
20
All the enemies of God will perish.
For the wicked have only a momentary value, a fading glory.
Then one day they vanish! Here today, gone tomorrow.
21
They break their promises, borrowing money
but never paying it back.
The good man returns what he owes with some extra besides.
22
The Lord’s blessed ones receive it all in the end,
but the cursed ones will be cut off
with nothing to show for themselves.
23
The steps of the God-pursuing ones
follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord,
and God delights in every step they take to follow him.
24
If they stumble badly they will still survive,
for the Lord lifts them up with his hands.
25
I was once young, but now I’m old.
Not once have I found a lover of God forsaken by him,
nor have any of their children gone hungry.
26
Instead, I’ve found the godly ones
to be the generous ones who give freely to others.
Their children are blessed and become a blessing.
27
If you truly want to dwell forever in God’s presence,
forsake evil and do what is right in his eyes.
28
The Lord loves it when he sees us walking in his justice.
He will never desert his devoted lovers;
they will be kept forever in his faithful care.
But the descendants of the wicked will be banished.
29
The faithful lovers of God will inherit the earth
and enjoy every promise of God’s care,
dwelling in peace forever.
30
God-lovers make the best counselors.
Their words possess wisdom and are right and trustworthy.
31
The ways of God are in their hearts
and they won’t swerve from the paths of steadfast righteousness.
32
Evil ones spy on the godly ones, stalking them
to find something they could use to accuse them.
They’re out for the kill!
33
But God will foil all their plots.
The godly will not stand condemned when brought to trial.
34
So don’t be impatient for the Lord to act;
keep moving forward steadily in his ways,
and he will exalt you at the right time.
And when he does, you will possess every promise,
including your full inheritance.
You’ll watch with your own eyes
and see the wicked lose everything.
35
I’ve already seen this happen.
Once I saw a wicked and violent man
overpower all who were around him,
a domineering tyrant with his pride and oppressive ways.
36
Then he died and was forgotten.
Now no one cares that he is gone forever.
37
But you can tell who are the blameless and spiritually mature.
What a different story with them!
The godly ones will have a peaceful, prosperous future
with a happy ending.
38
Every evil sinner will be destroyed, obliterated.
They’ll be utter failures with no future!
39
But the Lord will be the Savior of all who love him.
Even in their time of trouble God will live in them as strength.
40
Because of their faith in him, their daily portion will be
a Father’s help and deliverance from evil.
This is true for all who turn to hide themselves in him!
1
A poetic lament to remember, by King David
O Lord, don’t punish me angrily for what I’ve done.
Don’t let my sin inflame your wrath against me.
2
For the arrows of your conviction have pierced me deeply.
Your blows have struck my soul and crushed me.
3
Now my body is sick.
My health is totally broken because of your anger,
and it’s all due to my sins!
4
I’m overwhelmed, swamped, and submerged
beneath the heavy burden of my guilt.
It clings to me and won’t let me go.
5
My rotting wounds are a witness against me.
They are severe and getting worse,
reminding me of my failure and folly.
6
I am completely broken because of what I’ve done.
Gloom is all around me.
My sins have bent me over to the ground.
7
my self-confidence crushed.
Sick with fever, I’m left exhausted.
Now I’m cold as a corpse and nothing is left inside me
but great groaning filled with anguish.
8
9
Lord, you know all my desires and deepest longings.
My tears are liquid words and you can read them all.
10
and the light of my eyes is going out.
My friends stay far away from me, avoiding me like the plague.
Even my family wants nothing to do with me.
11
12
Meanwhile my enemies are out to kill me,
plotting my ruin, speaking of my doom
as they spend every waking moment
planning how to finish me off.
13
I can’t even speak up, and words fail me;
I have no argument to counter their threats.
14
15
Lord, the only thing I can do is wait and put my hope in you.
I wait for your help, my God.
16
So hear my cry and put an end to their strutting in pride,
who gloat when I stumble in pain.
17
I’m slipping away and on the verge of a breakdown,
with nothing but sorrow and sighing.
18
I confess all my sin to you; I can’t hold it in any longer.
My agonizing thoughts punish me for my wrongdoing;
I feel condemned as I consider all I’ve done.
19
My enemies are many.
They hate me and persecute me,
though I’ve done nothing against them to deserve it.
20
I show goodness to them and get repaid evil in return.
And they hate me even more when I stand for what is right.
21
So don’t forsake me now, Lord!
Don’t leave me in this condition.
22
God, hurry to help me, run to my rescue!
For you’re my Savior and my only hope!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A song of praising, by King David
I will guard my ways for all my days.
I will speak only what is right, guarding what I speak.
Like a watchman guards against an attack of the enemy,
I’ll guard and muzzle my mouth
when the wicked are around me.
I will remain silent and will not grumble
or speak out of my disappointment.
But the longer I’m silent the more my pain grows worse!
2
3
and my thoughts eventually boiled over
until they finally came rolling out of my mouth.
“Lord, help me to know how fleeting my time on earth is.
Help me to know how limited is my life
and that I’m only here but for a moment more.
4
5
What a brief time you’ve given me to live!
Compared to you my lifetime is nothing at all!
Nothing more than a puff of air, I’m gone so swiftly.
So too are the grandest of men;
they are nothing but a fleeting shadow!”
— Pause in his presence
6
We live our lives like those living in shadows.
All our activities and energies are spent for things that pass away.
We gather, we hoard, we cling to our things,
only to leave them all behind for who knows who.
7
And now, God, I’m left with one conclusion:
my only hope is to hope in you alone!
8
Save me from being overpowered by my sin;
don’t make me a disgrace before the degenerate.
9
Lord, I’m left speechless and I have no excuse,
so I’ll not complain any longer.
Now I know you’re the one who is behind it all.
10
But I can’t take it much longer.
Spare me these blows from your discipline-rod.
For if you are against me, I will waste away to nothing.
11
No one endures when you rebuke and discipline us for our sins.
Like a cobweb is swept away with a wave of the hand,
you sweep away all that we once called dear.
How fleeting and frail our lives!
We’re nothing more than a puff of air.
— Pause in his presence
12
Lord, listen to all my tender cries.
Read my every tear, like liquid words that plead for your help.
I feel all alone at times, like a stranger to you,
passing through this life just like all those before me.
13
Don’t let me die without restoring
joy and gladness to my soul.
May your frown over my failure
become a smile over my success.
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A song of poetic praise, by King David
I waited and waited and waited some more,
patiently, knowing God would come through for me.
Then, at last, he bent down and listened to my cry.
2
He stooped down to lift me out of danger
from the desolate pit I was in,
out of the muddy mess I had fallen into.
Now he’s lifted me up into a firm, secure place
and steadied me while I walk along his ascending path.
3
A new song for a new day rises up in me
every time I think about how he breaks through for me!
Ecstatic praise pours out of my mouth until
everyone hears how God has set me free.
Many will see his miracles;
they’ll stand in awe of God and fall in love with him!
4
Blessing after blessing comes to those who love and trust the Lord.
They will not fall away,
for they refuse to listen to the lies of the proud.
5
O Lord, our God, no one can compare with you.
Such wonderful works and miracles are all found with you!
And you think of us all the time
with your countless expressions of love —
far exceeding our expectations!
6
It’s not sacrifices that really move your heart.
Burnt offerings, sin offerings — that’s not what brings you joy.
But when you open my ears and speak deeply to me,
I become your willing servant, your prisoner of love for life.
7
So I said, “Here I am! I’m coming to you as a sacrifice,
for in the prophetic scrolls of your book
you have written about me.
8
I delight to fulfill your will, my God,
for your living words are written upon the pages of my heart.”
9
I tell everyone everywhere the truth of your righteousness.
And you know I haven’t held back in telling the message to all.
10
I don’t keep it a secret or hide the truth.
I preach of your faithfulness and kindness,
proclaiming your extravagant love to the largest crowd I can find!
11
So Lord, don’t hold back your love or withhold
your tender mercies from me.
Keep me in your truth and let your compassion overflow to me
no matter what I face.
12
Evil surrounds me; problems greater than I can solve
come one after another.
Without you, I know I can’t make it.
My sins are so many!
I’m so ashamed to lift my face to you.
For my guilt grabs me and stings my soul
until I am weakened and spent.
13
Please, Lord! Come quickly and rescue me!
Take pleasure in showing me your favor and restore me.
14
Let all who seek my life be humiliated!
Let them be confused and ashamed, God.
Scatter those who wish me evil; they just want me dead.
15
Scoff at every scoffer and cause them all to be utter failures.
Let them be ashamed and horrified by their complete defeat.
16
But let all who passionately seek you
erupt with excitement and joy over what you’ve done!
Let all your lovers rejoice continually in the Savior, saying,
“How great and glorious is our God!”
17
Lord, in my place of weakness and need, I ask again:
Will you come and help me?
I know I’m always in your thoughts.
You are my true Savior and hero,
so don’t delay to deliver me now, for you are my God.
1
King David’s poetic song for the Pure and Shining One
God always blesses those who are kind to the poor and helpless.
They’re the first ones God helps
when they find themselves in any trouble.
2
The Lord will preserve and protect them.
They’ll be honored and esteemed
while their enemies are defeated.
3
When they are sick, God will restore them,
lying upon their bed of suffering.
He will raise them up again and restore them back to health.
4
So in my sickness I say to you,
“Lord, be my kind healer.
Heal my body and soul; heal me, God!
For I have confessed my sins to you.”
5
But those who hate me wish the worst for me, saying,
“When will he die and be forgotten?”
6
And when these “friends” come to visit me
with their pious sympathy and their hollow words
and with hypocrisy hidden in their hearts,
I can see right through it all.
For they come merely to gather gossip about me,
using all they find to mock me with malicious hearts of slander.
7
They are wicked whisperers who imagine the worst for me,
repeating their rumors, saying,
8
“He got what he deserved; it’s over for him!
The spirit of infirmity is upon him and
he’ll never get over this illness.”
9
Even my ally, my friend, has turned against me.
He was one I totally trusted with my life,
sharing supper with him,
and now he shows me nothing but betrayal and treachery.
He has sold me as an enemy.
10
So Lord, please don’t desert me when I need you!
Give me grace and get me back on my feet
so I can triumph over them all.
11
Then I’ll know you’re pleased with me
when you allow me to taste of victory over all my foes.
12
Now stand up for me and don’t let me fall,
for I’ve walked with integrity.
Keep me before your face forever.
13
Everyone praise the Lord God of Israel, always and forever!
For he is from eternity past
and will remain for the eternity to come.
That’s the way it will be forever.
Faithful is our King! Amen!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A contemplative poem for instruction,
by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan
I long to drink of you, O God,
drinking deeply from the streams of pleasure
flowing from your presence.
My longings overwhelm me for more of you!
2
My soul thirsts, pants, and longs for the living God.
I want to come and see the face of God.
3
Day and night my tears keep falling
and my heart keeps crying for your help
while my enemies mock me over and over, saying,
“Where is this God of yours? Why doesn’t he help you?”
4
So I speak over my heartbroken soul,
“Take courage. Remember when you used to be
right out front leading the procession of praise
when the great crowd of worshipers
gathered to go into the presence of the Lord?
You shouted with joy as the sound of passionate celebration
filled the air and the joyous multitude of lovers
honored the festival of the Lord!”
5
So then, my soul, why would you be depressed?
Why would you sink into despair?
Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior.
For no matter what, I will still sing with praise,
for living before his face is my saving grace!
6
Here I am depressed and downcast.
Yet I will still remember you as I ponder the place
where your glory streams down from the mighty mountaintops, lofty and majestic — the mountains of your awesome presence.
7
My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love.
Your waterfall of weeping sent waves of sorrow
over my soul, carrying me away,
cascading over me like a thundering cataract.
8
Yet all day long God’s promises of love pour over me.
Through the night I sing his songs,
for my prayer to God has become my life.
9
I will say to God, “You are my mountain of strength;
how could you forget me?
Why must I suffer this vile oppression of my enemies —
these heartless tormentors who are out to kill me?”
10
Their wounding words pierce my heart
over and over while they say,
“Where is this God of yours?”
11
So I say to my soul,
“Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be disturbed.
For I know my God will break through for me.”
Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again.
Yes, living before his face is my saving grace!
1
For the Pure and Shining One, by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan
A contemplative poem for instruction
God, clear my name.
Plead my case against the unjust charges
of these ungodly workers of wickedness.
Deliver me from these lying degenerates.
2
For you are where my strength comes from and my protector,
so why would you leave me now?
Must I be covered with gloom
while the enemy comes after me, gloating with glee?
3
Pour into me the brightness of your daybreak!
Pour into me your rays of revelation-truth!
Let them comfort and gently lead me onto the shining path,
showing the way into your burning presence,
into your many sanctuaries of holiness.
4
Then I will come closer to your very altar
until I come before you, the God of my ecstatic joy!
I will praise you with the harp that plays in my heart,
to you, my God, my magnificent God!
5
Then I will say to my soul,
“Don’t be discouraged; don’t be disturbed,
for I fully expect my Savior-God to break through for me.
Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again.”
Yes, living before his face is my saving grace!
1
For the Pure and Shining One, by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan
A contemplative poem for instruction The Past
you’ve done for our ancestors in days gone by.
They told us about the ancient times, how by your power
you drove out the ungodly nations from this land,
crushing all their strongholds and giving the land to us.
Now the people of Israel cover the land
from one end to the other,
all because of your grace and power!
2
3
Our forefathers didn’t win these battles by their own strength
or their own skill or strategy.
But it was through the shining forth of your radiantpresence
and the display of your mighty power.
You loved to give them victory,
for you took great delight in them.
4
You are my God, my King!
It’s now time to decree majesties for Jacob!
5
Through your glorious name and your awesome power
we can push through to any victory and defeat every enemy.
6
For I will not trust in the weapons of the world;
I know they will never save me.
7
Only you will be our Savior from all our enemies.
All those who hate us you have brought to shame.
8
So now I constantly boast in you.
I can never thank you enough!
— Pause in his presence
9
But you have turned your back on us; you walked off and left us!
You’ve rejected us, tossing us aside in humiliating shame.
You don’t go before us anymore in our battles.
10
We retreat before our enemies in defeat,
for you are no longer helping us.
Those who hate us have invaded our land
and plundered our people.
11
You have treated us like sheep in the slaughter pen,
ready to be butchered.
You’ve scattered us to the four winds.
12
You have sold us as slaves for nothing!
You have counted us, your precious ones, as worthless.
13
You have caused our neighbors to despise and scorn us.
All that are around us mock and curse us.
14
You have made us the butt of their jokes.
Disliked by all, we are the laughingstock of the people.
15
We are despised, jeered, overwhelmed by shame,
and overcome at every turn
by our hateful and heartless enemies.
16
17
Despite all of this, we have not forgotten you;
we have not broken covenant with you.
18
We have not betrayed you; our hearts are still yours.
Our steps have not strayed from your path.
19
Yet you have crushed us,
leaving us in this wilderness place of misery and desperation.
With nowhere else to turn,
death’s dark door seems to be the only way out.
20
You’d be right in leaving us.
If we had worshiped before other gods,
no one would blame you for punishing us.
God, you know our every heart secret.
You know we still want you!
21
22
Because of you we face death threats every day.
Like martyrs we are dying daily.
We are seen as lambs lined up to be slaughtered as sacrifices.
23
So wake up, Lord God!
Why would you sleep when we’re in trouble?
Are you forsaking us forever?
24
You can’t hide your face any longer from us!
How could you forget our agonizing sorrow?
25
Now we lay facedown, sinking into the dust of death,
the quicksand of the grave.
26
Arise, awake, and come to help us, O Lord.
Let your unfailing love save us from this sorrow!
1
For the Pure and Shining One, by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan
A contemplative song of instruction for the Loved One
To the melody of “Lilies”
My heart is on fire, boiling over with passion.
Bubbling up within me are these beautiful lyrics
as a lovely poem to be sung for the King.
Like a river bursting its banks, I’m overflowing with words,
spilling out into this sacred story.
2
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beyond the sons of men!
Elegant grace pours out through every word you speak.
Truly God has anointed you, his favored one, for eternity!
3
Now strap your lightning-sword of judgment upon your side,
O mighty warrior, so majestic!
You are full of beauty and splendor as you go out to war!
4
In your glory and grandeur go forth in victory!
Through your faithfulness and meekness
the cause of truth and justice will stand.
Awe-inspiring miracles are accomplished by your power,
leaving everyone dazed and astonished!
5
Your wounding leaves men’s hearts defeated
as they fall before you broken.
6
Your glory-kingdom, O God, endures forever,
for you are enthroned to rule with a justice-scepter in your hand!
7
You are passionate for righteousness and you hate lawlessness.
This is why God, your God,
crowns you with bliss above your fellow kings.
He has anointed you, more than any other,
with his oil of fervent joy,
the very fragrance of heaven’s gladness.
8
Your royal robes release the scent of suffering love for your bride;
the odor of aromatic incense is upon you.
From the pure and shining place, lovely music
that makes you glad is played for your pleasure.
9
The daughters of kings, women of honor,
are maidens in your courts.
And standing beside you,
glistening in your pure and golden glory,
is the beautiful bride-to-be!
10
Now listen, daughter, pay attention, and forget about your past.
Put behind you every attachment to the familiar,
even those who once were close to you!
11
For your royal Bridegroom is ravished by your beautiful brightness.
Bow in reverence before him, for he is your Lord!
12
Wedding presents pour in from those of great wealth.
The royal friends of the Bridegroom shower you with gifts.
13
As the princess bride enters the palace,
how glorious she appears within the holy chamber,
robed with a wedding dress embroidered with pure gold!
14
Lovely and stunning she leads the procession with all her bridesmaids
as they come before you, her Bridegroom King.
15
What a grand, majestic entrance!
A joyful, glad procession as they enter the palace gates!
16
Your many sons will one day be kings, just like their Father.
They will sit on royal thrones all around the world.
17
I will make sure the fame of your name
is honored in every generation as all the people praise you,
giving you thanks forever and ever!
1
For the Pure and Shining One, by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan
A poetic song to the melody of “Hidden Things”
God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge!
You’re a proven help in time of trouble —
more than enough and always available whenever I need you.
2
So we will never fear
even if every structure of support were to crumble away.
We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes,
moving mountains and casting them into the sea.
3
For the raging roar of stormy winds and crashing waves
cannot erode our faith in you.
— Pause in his presence
4
God has a constantly flowing river whose sparkling streams
bring joy and delight to his people.
His river flows right through the city of God Most High,
into his holy dwelling places.
5
God is in the midst of his city, secure and never shaken.
At daybreak his help will be seen with the appearing of the dawn.
6
When the nations are in uproar with their tottering kingdoms,
God simply raises his voice
and the earth begins to disintegrate before him.
7
Here he comes!
The Commander!
The mighty Lord of Angel Armies is on our side.
The God of Jacob fights for us!
— Pause in his presence
8
Come and see the breathtaking wonders of our God.
For he brings both ruin and revival.
He’s the one who makes conflicts end
throughout the earth,
breaking and burning every weapon of war.
9
10
Surrender your anxiety!
Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God.
I am the God above all the nations,
and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth.
11
Here he stands!
The Commander!
The mighty Lord of Angel Armies is on our side!
The God of Jacob fights for us!
— Pause in his presence
1
For the Pure and Shining One, by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan
A poetic song
Go ahead and celebrate!
Come on and clap your hands, everyone!
Shout to God with the raucous sounds of joy!
2
The Lord God Most High is astonishing, awesome beyond words!
He’s the formidable and powerful King over all the earth.
3
He’s the one who conquered the nations before us
and placed them all under our feet.
4
He’s marked out our inheritance ahead of time,
putting us in the front of the line, honoring Jacob, the one he loves.
— Pause in his presence
5
God arises with the earsplitting shout of his people!
God goes up with a trumpet blast!
6
Sing and celebrate! Sing some more, celebrate some more!
Sing your highest song of praise to our King!
7
For God is the triumphant King; the powers of earth are all his.
So sing your celebration songs of highest praise
to the glorious Enlightened One!
8
Our God reigns over every nation.
He reigns on his holy throne over all.
9
All the nobles and princes,
the loving servants of the God of Abraham,
they all gather to worship.
Every warrior’s shield is now lowered
as surrendered trophies before this King.
He has taken his throne, high and lofty, exalted over all!
1
A poetic song, for the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan
There are so many reasons to describe God as wonderful!
So many reasons to praise him with unlimited praise!
2
Zion-City is his home; he lives on his holy mountain —
high and glorious, joy filled and favored.
Zion-Mountain looms in the farthest reaches of the north,
the city of our incomparable King!
3
This is his divine abode, an impenetrable citadel,
for he is known to dwell in the highest place.
4
yet when they saw God manifest in front of their eyes,
they were stunned.
Trembling, they all fled away, gripped with fear.
Seized with panic, they doubled up in frightful anguish
like a woman in the labor pains of childbirth.
5
6
7
Like a hurricane blowing and breaking the invading ships,
God blows upon them and breaks them to pieces.
8
We have heard about these wonders,
and then we saw them with our own eyes.
For this is the city of the Commander of Angel Armies,
the city of our God, safe and secure forever!
— Pause in his presence
9
Lord, as we worship you in your temple,
we recall over and over your kindness to us
and your unending love.
10
The fame of your name echoes throughout the entire world,
accompanied with praises.
Your right hand is full of victory.
11
So let the people of Zion rejoice with gladness;
let the daughters of praise leap for joy!
For God will see to it that you are judged fairly.
12
Consider her walls, climb her palaces,
and then go and tell the coming generation
of the care and compassion of our God.
13
14
Yes, this is our God, our great God forever.
He will lead us onward until the end,
through all time, beyond death,
and into eternity!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A poetic song, by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan
Both rich and poor together, all over the world —
everyone listen to what I have to say!
2
3
For wisdom will come from my mouth;
words of insight and understanding will be heard
from the musings of my heart.
4
I will break open mysteries with my music,
and my song will release riddles solved.
5
There’s no reason to fear when troubling times come,
even when you’re surrounded with problems
and persecutors who chase at your heels.
6
yet not one of them, though rich as a king,
could rescue his own brother from the guilt of his sins.
Not one could give God the ransom price
for the soul of another, let alone for himself.
7
8
for anyone to pay with earthly wealth.
The price to pay is never enough
to purchase eternal life for even one, to keep them out of hell.
9
10
God sees that they all will die one day,
leaving their houses and wealth to others.
Even though they name streets and lands after themselves,
hoping to have their memory endure beyond the grave,
legends in their own minds,
their home address is now the cemetery!
11
12
The honor of man is short-lived and fleeting.
There’s little difference between man and beast,
for both will one day perish.
13
Such is the path of foolish men
and those who quote everything they say,
for they are here today and gone tomorrow!
— Pause in his presence
14
A shepherd called “Death” herds them,
leading them like mindless sheep straight to hell.
Yet at daybreak you will find the righteous ruling in their place.
Every trace of them will be gone forever,
with all their “glory” lost in the darkness of their doom.
15
But I know the loving God will redeem my soul,
raising me up from the dark power of death,
taking me as his bridal partner.
— Pause in his presence
16
So don’t be disturbed when you see the rich
surround you with the “glory” of their wealth on full display.
17
For when they die they will carry nothing with them,
and their riches will not follow them beyond the grave.
18
and all applaud them for their accomplishments,
they will follow those who have gone before them
and go straight into the realm of darkness,
where they never ever see the light again.
19
20
So this is the way of mortal man —
honored for a moment, yet without eternal insight,
like a beast that will one day perish.
1
A poetic song of Asaph, the gatherer
The God of gods, the mighty Lord himself, has spoken!
He shouts out over all the people of the earth
in every brilliant sunrise and every beautiful sunset,
saying, “Listen to me!”
2
God’s glory-light shines out of the Zion-realm
with the radiance of perfect beauty.
3
With the rumble of thunder he approaches;
he will not be silent, for he comes with an earsplitting sound!
All around him are furious flames of fire,
and preceding him is the dazzling blaze of his glory.
4
Here he comes to judge his people!
He summons his court with heaven and earth as his jury, saying,
5
“Gather all my lovers,
my godly ones whose hearts are one with me —
those who have entered into my holy covenant
by sacrifices upon the altar.”
6
And the heavens declare his justice:
“God himself will be their judge,
and he will judge them with righteousness!”
— Pause in his presence
7
“Listen to me, O my people! Listen well, for I am your God!
I am bringing you to trial and here are my charges.
8
I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices,
which you continually bring to my altar.
9
Do I need your young bull or goats from your fields
as if I were hungry?
10
I know every movement of the birds in the sky,
and every animal of the field is in my thoughts.
The entire world and everything it contains is mine.
11
12
For all that I have created, the fullness of the earth, is mine.
Am I fed by your sacrifices? Of course not!
13
14
Why don’t you bring me the sacrifices I desire?
Bring me your true and sincere thanks,
and show your gratitude by keeping your promises to me,
the Most High.
15
Honor me by trusting in me in your day of trouble.
Cry aloud to me, and I will be there to rescue you.
16
And now I speak to the wicked. Listen to what I have to say to you!
What right do you have to presume to speak for me
and claim my covenant promises as yours?
17
For you have hated my instruction and disregarded my words,
throwing them away as worthless!
18
You forget to condemn the thief or adulterer.
You are their friend, running alongside them into darkness.
19
You have a lifestyle of lies,
devoted to deceit as you speak against others,
even slandering those of your own household!
20
21
All this you have done and I kept silent,
so you thought that I was just like you, sanctioning evil.
But now I will bring you to my courtroom
and spell out clearly my charges before you.
22
This is your last chance, my final warning. Your time is up!
Turn away from all this evil, or the next time you hear from me
will be when I am coming to pass sentence upon you.
I will snatch you away and no one will be there
to help you escape my judgment.
23
The life that pleases me is a life lived in the gratitude of grace,
always choosing to walk with me in what is right.
This is the sacrifice I desire from you.
If you do this, more of my salvation will unfold for you.”
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A prayer of confession when the prophet Nathan exposed King David’s adultery
with Bathsheba David’s Confession
I know your abundant love is enough to wash away my guilt.
Because your compassion is so great,
take away this shameful guilt of sin.
Forgive the full extent of my rebellious ways,
and erase this deep stain on my conscience.
2
3
I feel such pain and anguish within me.
I can’t get away from the sting of my sin against you, Lord!
Everything I did, I did right in front of you, for you saw it all.
Against you, and you above all, have I sinned.
Everything you say to me is infallibly true
and your judgment conquers me.
4
5
Lord, I have been a sinner from birth,
from the moment my mother conceived me.
6
I know that you delight to set your truth deep in my spirit.
So come into the hidden places of my heart
and teach me wisdom.
7
Purify my conscience! Make this leper clean again!
Wash me in your love until I am pure in heart.
8
Satisfy me in your sweetness, and my song of joy will return.
The places within me you have crushed
will rejoice in your healing touch.
9
Hide my sins from your face;
erase all my guilt by your saving grace.
10
Create a new, clean heart within me.
Fill me with pure thoughts and holy desires, ready to please you.
11
May you never reject me!
May you never take from me your sacred Spirit!
12
Let my passion for life be restored,
tasting joy in every breakthrough you bring to me.
Hold me close to you with a willing spirit
that obeys whatever you say.
13
Then I can show to other guilty ones
how loving and merciful you are.
They will find their way back home to you,
knowing that you will forgive them.
14
O God, my saving God,
deliver me fully from every sin,
even the sin that brought bloodguilt.
Then my heart will once again be thrilled to sing
the passionate songs of joy and deliverance!
15
Lord God, unlock my heart, unlock my lips,
and I will overcome with my joyous praise!
16
For the source of your pleasure is not in my performance
or the sacrifices I might offer to you.
17
The fountain of your pleasure is found
in the sacrifice of my shattered heart before you.
You will not despise my tenderness
as I humbly bow down at your feet.
18
Because you favor Zion, do what is good for her.
Be the protecting wall around Jerusalem.
19
And when we are fully restored,
you will rejoice and take delight
in every offering of our lives
as we bring our sacrifices of righteousness before you in love!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A song of instruction by King David composed when Doeg, the Edomite, betrayed
David to Saul, saying, “David has come to the house of Ahimilech!”
You call yourself a mighty man, a big shot?
Why do you boast in the evil you have done?
Yet God’s loyal love will protect me and carry the day!
2
Listen, O deceiver, trickster of others:
Your words are wicked, harming and hurting all who hear them.
3
You love evil and hate what is good and right.
You would rather lie than tell the truth.
— Pause in his presence
4
You love to distort, devour, and deceive,
using your sly tongue to spin the truth.
5
But the Almighty will strike you down forever!
He will pull you up by your roots
and drag you away to the darkness of death.
— Pause in his presence
6
The godly will see all this and will be awestruck.
Then they will laugh at the wicked, saying,
7
“See what happens to those great in their own eyes
who don’t trust in the Most High to save them!
Look how they trusted only in their wealth
and made their living from wickedness.”
8
But I am like a flourishing olive tree, anointed in the house of God.
I trust in the unending love of God;
his passion toward me is forever and ever.
9
Because it is finished
I will be praising you forever and giving you thanks.
Before all your godly lovers I will proclaim your beautiful name!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A contemplative song of instruction to the tune of “The Dancings of Mourning”
Only the withering soul would say to himself,
“There’s no God for me!”
Anyone who thinks like that is corrupt and callous;
depraved and detestable, they are devoid of what is good.
2
The Lord looks down in love, bending over heaven’s balcony.
God looks over all of Adam’s sons and daughters,
looking to see if there are any who are wise with insight —
any who search for him, wanting to please him.
3
But no, all have wandered astray, walking stubbornly toward evil.
Not one is good; he can’t even find one!
4
Look how they live in luxury while exploiting my people.
Won’t these workers of wickedness ever learn!
They never even think of praying to God.
5
Soon, unheard-of terror will seize them while in their sins.
God himself will one day scatter the bones
of those who rose up against you.
Doomed and rejected, they will be put to shame,
for God has despised them.
6
Oh, I wish our time of rescue were already here.
Oh, that God would come forth now —
arising from the midst of his Zion-people
to save and restore his very own.
When God fully restores his people,
Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be filled with gladness!
1
For the Pure and Shining One, David’s contemplative song of instruction
A song of derision when the Ziphites betrayed David to Saul, saying, “David is hiding among us; come and get him!”
God, deliver me by your mighty name!
Come with your glorious power and save me!
2
Listen to my prayer; turn your ears to my cry!
3
These violent men have risen up against me;
heartless, ruthless men who care nothing about God
seek to take my life.
— Pause in his presence
4
But the Lord God has become my divine helper.
He leans into my heart and lays his hands upon me!
5
God will see to it that those who sow evil will reap evil.
So Lord, in your great faithfulness, destroy them once and for all!
6
Lord, I will offer myself freely, and everything I am I give to you.
I will worship and praise your name, O Lord,
for it is precious to me.
7
Through you I’m saved — rescued from every trouble.
I’ve seen with my eyes the defeat of my enemies.
I’ve triumphed over them all!
1
To the Pure and Shining One
King David’s song of derision, for instruction
God, listen to my prayer!
Don’t hide your heart from me when I cry out to you!
2
Here I am, moaning and restless.
I’m preoccupied with the threats of my enemies
and crushed by the pressure of their opposition.
They surround me with trouble and terror.
In their fury they rise up against me in an angry uproar.
3
4
My heart is trembling inside my chest
as the terror of death seizes me.
5
Fear and dread overwhelm me. I shudder before the horror I face.
6
I say to myself, “If only I could fly away from all of this!
If only I could run away to the place of rest and peace.
7
I would run far away where no one could find me,
escaping to a wilderness retreat.”
— Pause in his presence
8
I will hurry off to hide in the higher place,
into my shelter, safe from this raging storm and tempest.
9
God, confuse them until they quarrel with themselves.
Destroy them with their own violent strife and slander.
They have divided the city with their discord.
10
Though they patrol the walls night and day against invaders,
the real danger is within the city.
It’s the misery and strife in the hearts of its people.
11
Murder is in their midst.
Wherever you turn you find trouble and ruin.
12
It wasn’t an enemy who taunted me.
If it was my enemy, filled with pride and hatred,
then I could have endured it. I would have just run away.
13
But it was you, my intimate friend — one like a brother to me.
It was you, my advisor, the companion
I walked with and worked with!
14
We once had sweet fellowship with each other.
We worshiped in unity as one,
celebrating together with God’s people.
15
Now desolation and darkness has come upon you.
May you and all those like you descend into the pit of destruction!
Since evil has been your home, may evil now bury you alive!
16
But as for me, I will call upon the Lord to save me, and I know he will!
17
Every evening I will explain my need to him.
Every morning I will move my soul toward him.
Every waking hour I will worship only him,
and he will hear and respond to my cry.
18
Though many wish to fight and the tide of battle turns against me,
by your power I will be safe and secure;
peace will be my portion.
19
God himself will hear me!
God-Enthroned through everlasting ages,
the God of unchanging faithfulness —
he will put them in their place,
all those who refuse to love and revere him!
— Pause in his presence
20
I was betrayed by my friend, though I lived in peace with him.
While he was stretching out his hand of friendship,
he was secretly breaking every promise he had ever made to me!
21
His words were smooth and charming.
Yet his heart was disloyal and full of hatred —
his words soft as silk while all the time scheming my demise.
22
So here’s what I’ve learned through it all:
Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord,
and measureless grace will strengthen you.
23
He will watch over his lovers,
never letting them slip or be overthrown.
He will send all my enemies to the pit of destruction.
Murderers, liars, and betrayers will face an untimely death.
My life’s hope and trust is in you, and you’ll never fail to rescue me!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
King David’s golden song of instruction composed when the Philistines captured him in Gath, to the tune of “The Oppression of the Princes to Come”
Lord, show me your kindness and mercy,
for these men oppose and oppress me all day long.
2
Not a day goes by but that somebody harasses me.
So many in their pride trample me under their feet.
3
But in the day that I’m afraid, I lay all my fears before you
and trust in you with all my heart.
4
What harm could a man bring to me?
With God on my side I will not be afraid of what comes.
The roaring praises of God fill my heart,
and I will always triumph as I trust his promises.
5
Day after day cruel critics distort my words;
constantly they plot my collapse.
6
Lurking in the dark, waiting, spying on my movements in secret
to take me by surprise, ready to take my life.
7
They don’t deserve to get away with this!
Look at their wickedness, their injustice, Lord.
In your fierce anger cast them down to defeat.
8
You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping.
You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle — not one will be lost.
For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance.
9
The very moment I call to you for a father’s help
the tide of battle turns and my enemies flee.
This one thing I know: God is on my side!
10
I trust in the Lord. And I praise him!
I trust in the Word of God. And I praise him!
11
What harm could man do to me?
With God on my side I will not be afraid of what comes.
My heart overflows with praise to God and for his promises.
I will always trust in him.
12
So I’m thanking you with all my heart,
with gratitude for all you’ve done.
I will do everything I’ve promised you, Lord.
13
For you have saved my soul from death
and my feet from stumbling
so that I can walk before the Lord
bathed in his life-giving light.
1
To the Pure and Shining One
King David’s golden song of instruction composed
when he hid from Saul in a cave
To the tune of “Do Not Destroy”
Please, God, show me mercy!
Open your grace-fountain for me,
for you are my soul’s true shelter.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your embrace,
under the wings of your cherubim,
until this terrible trouble is past.
2
I will cry out to you, the God of the highest heaven,
the mighty God, who performs all these wonders for me.
3
From heaven he will send a father’s help to save me.
He will trample down those who trample me.
— Pause in his presence
He will always show me love
by his gracious and constant care.
4
I am surrounded by these fierce and brutal men.
They are like lions just wanting to tear me to shreds.
Why must I continue to live among these seething terrorists,
breathing out their angry threats and insults against me?
5
Lord God, be exalted as you soar throughout the heavens.
May your shining glory be seen in the skies!
Let it be seen high above over all the earth!
6
For they have set a trap for me.
Frantic fear has me overwhelmed.
But look! The very trap they set for me
has sprung shut upon themselves instead of me!
— Pause in his presence
7
My heart, O God, is quiet and confident.
Now I can sing with passion your wonderful praises!
8
Awake, O my soul, with the music of his splendor-song!
Arise, my soul, and sing his praises!
My worship will awaken the dawn,
greeting the daybreak with my songs of light!
9
Wherever I go I will thank you, my God.
Among all the nations they will hear my praise songs to you.
10
Your love is so extravagant it reaches to the heavens,
Your faithfulness so astonishing it stretches to the sky!
11
Lord God, be exalted as you soar throughout the heavens.
May your shining glory be shown in the skies!
Let it be seen high above all the earth!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
King David’s golden song of instruction
To the tune of “Do Not Destroy”
know nothing about it!
Which one of you has walked in justice toward others?
Which one of you has treated everyone right and fair?
Not one! You only give “justice” in exchange for a bribe.
For the right price you let others get away with murder.
2
3
Lying with your words, your teaching is poison.
4
5
Like cobras closing their ears to the most expert of the charmers,
you strike out against all who are near.
6
O God, break their fangs;
shatter the teeth of these ravenous lions!
7
Let them disappear like water falling on thirsty ground.
Let all their weapons be useless.
8
Let them be like snails dissolving into the slime.
Let them be cut off, never seeing the light of day!
9
God will sweep them away so fast
that they’ll never know what hit them.
10
The godly will celebrate in the triumph of good over evil.
And the lovers of God will trample
the wickedness of the wicked under their feet!
11
Then everyone will say, “There is a God who judges the judges”
and “There is a great reward in loving God!”
1
For the Pure and Shining One
King David’s song of instruction composed when Saul set an ambush for him
at his home
To the tune of “Do Not Destroy”
My God, protect me!
Keep me safe from all my enemies, for they’re coming to kill me.
Put me in a high place out of their reach —
a place so high that these assassins will never find me.
2
Save me from these murdering men, these bloodthirsty killers.
3
See how they set an ambush for my life.
They’re fierce men ready to launch their attack against me.
O Lord, I’m innocent; protect me!
4
I’ve done nothing to deserve this,
yet they are already plotting together to kill me.
Arise, Lord, see what they’re scheming, and come and meet with me.
5
Awaken, O God of Israel!
Commander of Angel Armies,
arise to punish these treacherous people who oppose you!
Don’t go soft on these hardcase killers!
— Pause in his presence
6
After dark they came to spy, sneaking around the city,
snarling, prowling like a pack of stray dogs in the night —
7
boiling over with rage, shouting out their curses,
convinced that they’ll never get caught.
8
But you, Lord, break out laughing at their plans,
amused by their arrogance, scoffing at their sinful ways.
9
My strength is found when I wait upon you.
Watch over me, God, for you are my mountain fortress;
you set me on high!
10
The God of passionate love will meet with me.
My God will empower me to rise in triumph over my foes.
11
Don’t kill them; stagger them all with a vivid display of power.
And scatter them with your armies of angels,
O mighty God, our protector!
Use your awesome power to make them wanderers and vagabonds
and then bring them down.
12
They are nothing but proud, cursing liars.
They sin in every word they speak, boasting in their blasphemies!
13
May your wrath be kindled to destroy them; finish them off!
Make an end of them and their deeds until they are no more!
Let them all know and learn
that God is the ruler over Jacob,
the God-King over all the earth!
— Pause in his presence
14
Here they come again —
prowling, growling like a pack of stray dogs in the city.
15
Drifting, devouring, and coming in for the kill,
they refuse to sleep until they’ve eaten their fill.
16
But as for me, your strength shall be my song of joy.
At each and every sunrise, my lyrics of your love will fill the air!
For you have been my glory-fortress,
a stronghold in my day of distress.
17
O my strength, I sing with joy your praises.
O my stronghold, I sing with joy your song!
O my Savior, I sing with joy the lyrics of your faithful love for me!
1
To the Pure and Shining One
King David’s poem for instruction composed when he fought against the
Syrians with the outcome still uncertain and Joab turned back to kill 12,000
descendants of Esau in the Valley of Salt
To the tune of “Lily of the Covenant”
God, it seems like you walked off and left us!
Why have you turned against us?
You have been angry with us.
O Lord, we plead, come back and help us as a father.
2
The earth quivers and quakes before you,
splitting open and breaking apart.
Now come and heal it, for it is shaken to its depths.
3
You have taught us hard lessons
and made us drink the wine of bewilderment.
4
You have given miraculous signs to those who love you.
As we follow you we fly the flag of truth,
and all who love the truth will rally to it.
— Pause in his presence
5
Come to your beloved ones and gently draw us out.
For Lord, you save those whom you love.
Come with your might and strength!
6
From his sanctuary I heard the Lord promise:
“In my triumph I will be the one to measure out
the portion of my inheritance to my people,
and I will secure the land as I promised you.
Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh,
they are all still mine!” he says.
“Judah will continue to produce kings and lawgivers,
and Ephraim will produce great warriors.
7
8
Moab will become my lowly servant.
Edom will likewise serve my purposes.
I will lift up a shout of victory over the land of Philistia!
9
But who will bring my triumph into the strong city?
Who will lead me into Edom’s fortresses?”
10
Have you really rejected us, refusing to fight our battles?
11
Give us a father’s help when we face our enemies.
For to trust in any man is an empty hope.
12
With God’s help we will fight like heroes
and he will trample down our every foe!
1
To the Pure and Shining One
A song for the guitar by King David
O God, hear my prayer. Listen to my heart’s cry.
2
For no matter where I am, even when I’m far from home,
I will cry out to you for a father’s help.
When I’m feeble and overwhelmed by life,
guide me into your glory, where I am safe and sheltered.
3
Lord, you are a paradise of protection to me.
You lift me high above the fray.
None of my foes can touch me
when I’m held firmly in your wrap-around presence!
4
Keep me in this glory.
Let me live continually under your splendor-shadow,
hiding my life in you forever.
— Pause in his presence
5
You have heard my sweet resolutions
to love and serve you, for I am your beloved.
And you have given me an inheritance of rich treasures,
which you give to all your lovers.
6
You treat me like a king, giving me a full and abundant life,
years and years of reigning,
like many generations rolled into one.
7
I will live enthroned with you forever!
Guard me, God, with your unending, unfailing love.
Let me live my days walking in grace and truth before you.
8
And my praises will fill the heavens forever,
fulfilling my vow to make every day a love gift to you!
1
To the Pure and Shining One
King David’s melody of love’s celebration
I stand silently to listen for the one I love,
waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me.
For God alone has become my Savior.
2
He alone is my safe place;
his wrap-around presence always protects me.
For he is my champion defender;
there’s no risk of failure with God.
So why would I let worry paralyze me,
even when troubles multiply around me?
3
But look at these who want me dead,
shouting their vicious threats at me!
The moment they discover my weakness
they all begin plotting to take me down.
4
Liars, hypocrites, with nothing good to say.
All of their energies are spent
on moving me from this exalted place.
— Pause in his presence
5
I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love,
waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me.
Only God is my Savior, and he will not fail me.
6
For he alone is my safe place.
His wrap-around presence always protects me
as my champion defender.
There’s no risk of failure with God!
So why would I let worry paralyze me,
even when troubles multiply around me?
7
God’s glory is all around me!
His wrap-around presence is all I need,
for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength.
8
Join me, everyone! Trust only in God every moment!
Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him.
Believe me when I tell you — he will help you!
— Pause in his presence
9
Before God all the people of the earth, high or low,
are like smoke that disappears,
like a vapor that quickly vanishes away.
Compared to God they’re nothing but vanity, nothing at all!
10
The wealth of the world is nothing to God.
So if your wealth increases, don’t be boastful or
put your trust in your money.
And don’t you think for a moment that
you can get away with stealing by overcharging others
just to get more for yourself !
11
God said to me once and for all,
“All the strength and power you need flows from me!”
And again I heard it clearly said,
12
“All the love you need is found in me!”
And it’s true that you repay people for what they do.
1
For the Pure and Shining One
King David’s song when he was exiled in the Judean wilderness
O God of my life, I’m lovesick for you in this weary wilderness.
I thirst with the deepest longings to love you more,
with cravings in my heart that can’t be described.
Such yearning grips my soul for you, my God!
2
I’m energized every time I enter
your heavenly sanctuary to seek more of your power
and drink in more of your glory.
3
For your tender mercies mean more to me than life itself.
How I love and praise you, God!
4
Daily I will worship you passionately and with all my heart.
My arms will wave to you like banners of praise.
5
I overflow with praise when I come before you,
for the anointing of your presence satisfies me like nothing else.
You are such a rich banquet of pleasure to my soul.
6
and reflecting on how you help me like a father.
I sing through the night under your splendor-shadow,
offering up to you my songs of delight and joy!
7
8
With passion I pursue and cling to you.
Because I feel your grip on my life,
I keep my soul close to your heart.
9
Those who plot to destroy me shall descend into the darkness of hell.
10
They will be consumed by their own evil
and become nothing more than dust under our feet.
11
These liars will be silenced forever!
But with the anointing of a king I will dance and rejoice
along with all his lovers who trust in him.
1
For the Pure and Shining One
King David’s song
Keep me safe from this band of criminals and
from the conspiracy of these wicked men.
They gather in their secret counsel to destroy me.
2
3
Their words are like poison-tipped arrows
shot from the shadows.
They are unafraid and have no fear of consequences.
4
5
They set their traps against us in secret;
they strengthen one another, saying,
“No one can see us. Who can stop us?”
They’re nothing more than unruly mobs
joined in their unholy alliance,
6
searching out new opportunities to pervert justice —
deceivers scheming together their ill-conceived plot
as they plan the “perfect crime.”
How unsearchable is their endless evil,
trying desperately to hide the deep darkness of their hearts.
7
But all the while God has his own fire-tipped arrows!
Suddenly, without warning,
they will be pierced and struck down.
8
Staggering backward they will be destroyed
by the very ones they spoke against.
All who see this will view them with scorn.
9
Then all will stand awestruck over what God has done,
seeing how he vindicated the victims of these crimes.
10
The lovers of God will be glad, rejoicing in the Lord.
They will be found in his glorious wrap-around presence,
singing songs of praise to God!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
King David’s poetic song
You are the God who answers prayer;
all of humanity comes before you with their requests.
2
3
Though we are overcome by our many sins,
your sacrifice covers over them all.
4
And your priestly lovers, those you’ve chosen,
will be greatly favored to be brought close to you.
What inexpressible joys are theirs!
What feasts of mercy fill them in your heavenly sanctuary!
How satisfied we will be just to be near you!
5
You answer our prayers with amazing wonders
and with awe-inspiring displays of power.
You are the righteous God who helps us like a father.
Everyone everywhere looks to you,
for you are the confidence of all the earth,
even to the farthest islands of the sea.
6
What jaw-dropping, astounding power is yours!
You are the mountain maker who sets them all in place.
7
You muzzle the roar of the mighty seas
and the rage of mobs with their noisy riots.
8
O God, to the farthest corners of the planet
people will stand in awe,
startled and stunned by your signs and wonders.
Sunrise brilliance and sunset beauty
both take turns singing their songs of joy to you.
9
Your visitations of glory bless the earth;
the rivers of God overflow and enrich it.
You paint the wheat fields golden as you provide rich harvests.
10
Every field is watered with the abundance of rain —
showers soaking the earth and softening its clods,
causing seeds to sprout throughout the land.
11
You crown the earth with its yearly harvest,
the fruits of your goodness.
Wherever you go the tracks of your chariot wheels drip with oil.
12
Luxuriant green pastures boast of your bounty
as you make every hillside blossom with joy.
13
The grazing meadows are covered with flocks,
and the fertile valleys are clothed with grain,
each one dancing and shouting for joy, creation’s celebration!
And they’re all singing their songs of praise to you!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A song of awakening
Everyone everywhere, lift up your joyful shout to God!
2
Sing your songs tuned to his glory!
Tell the world how wonderful he is.
3
For he’s the awe-inspiring God, great and glorious in power!
We’ve never seen anything like him!
Mighty in miracles, you cause your enemies to tremble.
No wonder they all surrender and bow before you!
4
All the earth will bow down to worship;
all the earth will sing your glories forever!
— Pause in his presence
5
Everyone will say, “Come and see the incredible things God has done;
it will take your breath away!
He multiplies miracles for his people!”
6
He made a highway going right through the Red Sea
as the Hebrews passed through on dry ground,
exploding with joyous excitement over the miracles of God.
7
In his great and mighty power he rules forever,
watching over every movement of every nation.
So beware, rebel lands; he knows how to humble you!
— Pause in his presence
8
Praise God, all you peoples.
Praise him everywhere and let everyone know you love him!
9
There’s no doubt about it; God holds our lives safely in his hands.
He’s the one who keeps us faithfully following him.
10
O Lord, we have passed through your fire;
like precious metal made pure,
you’ve proved us, perfected us, and made us holy.
11
You’ve captured us, ensnared us in your net.
Then, like prisoners, you placed chains around our necks.
12
You’ve allowed our enemies to prevail against us.
We’ve passed through fire and flood,
yet in the end you always bring us out better than we were before,
saturated with your goodness.
13
I come before your presence with my sacrifice.
I’ll give you all that I’ve promised, everything I have.
14
When I was overcome in my anguish,
I promised to give you my sacrifice.
Here it is! All that I said I would offer you is yours.
15
The best I have to bring, I’ll throw it all into the fire
as the fragrance of my sacrifice ascends unto you.
— Pause in his presence
16
All you lovers of God who want to please him,
come and listen, and I’ll tell you what he did for me.
17
I cried aloud to him with all my heart and he answered me!
Now my mouth overflows with the highest praise.
18
Yet if I had closed my eyes to my sin,
the Lord God would have closed his ears to my prayer.
19
But praises rise to God,
for he paid attention to my prayer and answered my cry to him!
20
I will forever praise this God who didn’t close his heart when I prayed
and never said no when I asked him for help.
He never once refused to show me his tender love.
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A poetic song of praise for guitar
God, keep us near your grace-fountain and bless us!
And when you look down on us, may your face beam with joy!
— Pause in his presence
2
Send us out all over the world so that everyone everywhere
will discover your ways and know who you are
and see your power to save.
3
Let all the nations burst forth with praise;
let everyone everywhere love and enjoy you!
4
Then how glad the nations will be when you are their King.
They will sing, they will shout, for you give true justice to the people.
Yes! You, Lord, are the shepherd of the nations!
— Pause in his presence
5
No wonder the peoples praise you!
Let all the people praise you more!
6
The harvest of the earth is here!
God, the very God we worship,
keeps us satisfied at his banquet of blessings.
7
And the blessings keep coming!
Then all the ends of the earth will give him
the honor he deserves and be in awe of him!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
David’s poetic song of praise
God! Arise with awesome power,
and every one of your enemies will scatter in fear!
2
Chase them away — all these God-haters.
Blow them away as a puff of smoke.
Melt them away like wax in the fire.
One good look at you and the wicked vanish.
3
But let all your godly lovers be glad!
Yes, let them all rejoice in your presence
and be carried away with gladness.
Let them laugh and be radiant with joy!
4
Let them sing their celebration-songs
for the coming of the cloud rider whose name is Yah!
5
To the widow he is a champion friend.
To the lonely he gives a family.
To the prisoners he leads into prosperity until they sing for joy.
This is our Holy God in his Holy Place!
But for the rebels there is heartache and despair.
6
7
O Lord, it was you who marched in front of your people,
leading them through the wasteland.
— Pause in his presence
8
The earth shook beneath your feet; the heavens filled with clouds
before the presence of the God of Sinai.
The sacred mountain shook at the sight of the face of Israel’s God.
9
You, O God, sent the reviving rain upon your weary inheritance,
showers of blessing to refresh it.
10
So there your people settled.
And in your kindness you provided the poor with abundance.
11
God Almighty declares the word of the gospel with power,
and the warring women of Zion deliver its message:
12
“The conquering legions have themselves been conquered.
Look at them flee!”
Now Zion’s women are left to gather the spoils.
13
When you sleep between sharpened stakes,
I see you sparkling like silver and glistening like gold,
covered by the beautiful wings of a dove!
14
When the Almighty found a king for himself,
it became white as snow in his shade.
15
you are the mighty kingdom of God!
All the other peaks, though impressive and imposing,
look with envy on you, Mount Zion!
For Zion is the mountain where God has chosen to live forever.
16
17
Look! The mighty chariots of God!
Ten thousands upon ten thousands,
more than anyone could ever number.
God is at the front,
leading them all from Mount Sinai into his sanctuary
with the radiance of holiness upon him.
18
He ascends into the heavenly heights,
taking his many captured ones with him,
leading them in triumphal procession.
And gifts were given to men, even the once rebellious,
so that they may dwell with Yah.
19
What a glorious God!
He gives us salvation over and over,
then daily he carries our burdens!
— Pause in his presence
20
Our God is a mighty God who saves us over and over!
For the Lord, Yahweh, rescues us
from the ways of death many times.
21
But he will crush every enemy, shattering their strength.
He will make heads roll
for they refuse to repent of their stubborn, sinful ways.
22
I hear the Lord God saying to all the enemies of his people,
“You’d better come out of your hiding places,
all of you who are doing your best to stay far away from me.
Don’t you know there’s no place to hide?
23
For my people will be the conquerors;
they will soon have you under their feet.
They will crush you until there is nothing left!”
24
O God, my King, your triumphal processions
keep moving onward in holiness;
you’re moving onward toward the Holy Place!
25
Leaders in front, then musicians,
with young maidens in between, striking their tambourines.
26
And they sing, “Let all God’s princely people rejoice!
Let all the congregations bring their blessing to God, saying,
‘The Lord of the fountain! The Lord of the fountain of life!
The Lord of the fountain of Israel!’”
27
Astonishingly, it’s the favored youth leading the way:
princes of praise in their royal robes,
and exalted princes are among them,
along with princes who have wrestled with God.
28
For your miracles have made us who we are.
Lord, do it again,
and parade from your temple your mighty power.
By your command even kings will bring gifts to you.
29
30
God, rebuke the beast-life that hides within us!
Rebuke those who claim to be “strong ones,”
who lurk within the congregation
and abuse the people out of their love for money.
God scatters the people who are spoiling for a fight.
31
Africa will send her noble envoys to you, O God.
They will come running, stretching out their hands in love to you.
32
Let all the nations of the earth sing songs of praise to almighty God!
Go ahead, all you nations — sing your praise to the Lord!
— Pause in his presence
33
Make music for the one who strides the ancient skies.
Listen to his thunderous voice of might split open the heavens.
34
Give it up for God, for he alone has all the strength and power!
Proclaim his majesty! For his glory shines down on Israel.
His mighty strength soars in the clouds of glory.
35
God, we are consumed with awe, trembling before you
as your glory streams from your Holy Place.
The God of power shares his mighty strength with Israel
and with all his people.
God, we give our highest praise to you!
1
To the Pure and Shining One
David’s poetic song of praise to the tune of “Lilies”
These floods of trouble have risen higher and higher.
The water is up to my neck!
I’m sinking into the mud with no place to stand,
and I’m about to drown in this storm.
2
3
I’m weary, exhausted with weeping.
My throat is dry, my voice is gone, my eyes are swollen with sorrow,
and I’m waiting for you, God, to come through for me.
4
I can’t even count all those who hate me for no reason.
Many influential men want me silenced,
yet I’ve done nothing against them.
Must I restore what I never took away?
5
God, my life is an open book to you.
You know every sin I’ve ever done.
For nothing within me is hidden from your sight!
6
Lord Yahweh of Angel Armies,
keep me from ever being a stumbling block to others,
to those who love you.
Lord God of Israel, don’t let what happens to me
be the source of confusion to those who are passionate for you.
7
Because of my love for you, Lord,
I have been mocked, cursed, and disgraced.
8
Even my own brothers, those of my family,
act as though they don’t want anything to do with me.
9
My love for you has my heart on fire!
My passion consumes me for your house!
Nothing will turn me away,
even though I endure all the insults of those who insult you.
10
When they see me seeking for more of you with weeping and fasting,
they all just scoff and scorn at my passion.
11
When I humble myself with sorrow over my sin,
it gives them a reason to mock me even more.
12
The leaders, the influential ones — how they scorn my passion for you!
I’ve become the talk of the town, the theme of drunkards’ songs.
13
But I keep calling out to you, Yahweh!
I know you will bend down to listen to me,
for now is the season of favor.
Because of your faithful love for me,
your answer to my prayer will be my sure salvation.
14
Pull me out of this mess! Don’t let me sink!
Rescue me from those who hate me and from all this trouble I’m in!
15
Don’t let this flood drown me.
Save me from these deep waters
or I’ll go down to the pit of destruction.
16
I need to see your tender kindness, your grace,
your compassion, and your constant love.
Just let me see your face, and turn your heart toward me.
Come running quickly to your servant.
In this deep distress, come and answer my prayer.
17
18
Come closer as a friend and redeem me.
Set me free so my enemies cannot say that you are powerless.
19
See how they dishonor me in shame and disgrace?
You know, Lord, what I’m going through, and you see it all.
20
I’m heartsick and heartbroken by it all.
Their contempt has crushed my soul.
I looked for sympathy and compassion
but found only empty stares.
21
I was hungry and they gave me bitter food.
I was thirsty and they offered me vinegar.
22
Let their “feasts” turn to ashes.
Let their “peace and security” become their downfall.
23
Make them blind as bats, groping in the dark.
Let them be feeble, trembling continually.
24
Consume them with the fire of your anger!
Burn down the walled palace where they live!
Leave them homeless and desolate!
25
26
For they come against the one you yourself have struck,
and they scorn the pain of those you’ve pierced.
27
Pile on them the guilt of their sins.
Don’t let them ever go free.
28
Leave them out of your list of the living!
Blot them out of your book of life!
Never name them as your own!
29
I am burdened and broken by this pain.
When your miracle rescue comes to me,
it will lift me to the highest place.
30
Then my song will be a burst of praise to you.
My glory-shouts will make your fame even more glorious
to all who hear my praises!
31
For I know, Yahweh, that my praises mean more to you
than all my gifts and sacrifices.
32
All who seek you will see God do this for them,
and they’ll overflow with gladness.
Let this revive your hearts, all you lovers of God!
33
For Yahweh does listen to the poor and needy
and will not abandon his prisoners of love.
34
Let all the universe praise him!
The high heavens and everyone on earth, praise him!
Let the oceans deep, with everything in them, keep it up!
35
God will come to save his Zion-people.
God will build up his cities of Judah,
for there his people will live in peace.
36
All their children will inherit the land,
and the lovers of his name will live there safe and secure.
1
To the Pure and Shining One
David’s poetic lament to always remember
Please, Lord! Come quickly and rescue me!
God, show me your favor and restore me.
2
Let all who seek my life be humiliated, confused, and ashamed.
God, send them sprawling, all who wish me evil;
they just want me dead.
3
Scoff at every scoffer and cause them all to be utter failures!
Let them be ashamed and horrified over their complete defeat.
4
But let all who passionately seek you erupt with excitement and joy
over what you’ve done!
Let all your lovers, who continually rejoice in the Savior,
say aloud, “How great and glorious is our God!”
5
Lord, in my place of weakness and need,
won’t you turn your heart toward me and hurry to help me?
For you are my Savior and I’m always in your thoughts.
So don’t delay to deliver me now, for you are my God.
1
Lord, you are my secure shelter. Don’t ever let me down!
2
Let your justice be my breakthrough.
Bend low to my whispered cry
and save me from all my enemies!
3
You’re the only place of protection for me.
I keep coming back to hide myself in you,
for you are like a mountain-cliff fortress where I’m kept safe.
4
Let me escape from these cruel and wicked men,
and save me from the hands of the evil one.
5
For you are my only hope, Lord!
I’ve hung on to you, trusting in you all my life.
6
loving me, helping me through my life’s journey.
You’ve made me into a miracle;
no wonder I trust you and praise you forever!
Many marvel at my success,
but I know it is all because of you, my mighty protector!
7
8
I’m overflowing with your praise for all you’ve done,
and your splendor thrills me all day long.
9
Now that I’m old, don’t set me aside.
Don’t let go of me when my strength is spent.
10
They’re waiting for me to fall so they can finish me off.
They’re convinced you’ve left me
and that you’ll never come to my rescue.
They’re saying, “Let’s get him now! He has no savior!”
11
12
O God, stay close to me!
Don’t just watch from a distance! Hurry to help me, my God!
13
Cover these accusers of mine with shame and failure!
Destroy them all, for they only want to kill me!
14
No matter what, I’ll trust in you to help me.
Nothing will stop me from praising you to magnify your glory!
15
I couldn’t begin to count the times you’ve been there for me.
With the skill of a poet I’ll never run out of things to say
of how you faithfully kept me from danger.
16
I will come forth in your mighty strength, O my Lord God.
I’ll tell everyone that you alone are the perfect one.
17
From my childhood you’ve been my teacher,
and I’m still telling everyone of your miracle-wonders!
18
God, now that I’m old and gray, don’t walk away.
Give me grace to demonstrate to the next generation
all your mighty miracles and your excitement,
to show them your magnificent power!
19
For your glorious righteousness reaches up to the high heavens.
No one could ever be compared to you!
Who is your equal, O God of marvels and wonders?
20
Even though you’ve let us sink down with trials and troubles,
I know you will revive us again,
lifting us up from the dust of death.
21
Give us even more greatness than before.
Turn and comfort us once again.
22
My loving God, the harp in my heart will praise you.
Your faithful heart toward us will be the theme of my song.
Melodies and music will rise to you, the Holy One of Israel.
23
I will shout and sing your praises for all you are to me —
Savior, lover of my soul!
24
I’ll never stop telling others how perfect you are
while all those who seek my harm slink away ashamed and defeated!
1
Solomon’s psalm
O God, make the king a godly judge like you
and give the king’s son the gift of justice too.
2
Help him to give true justice to your people,
honorably and equally to all.
3
Then the mountains of influence will be fruitful,
and from your righteousness
prosperity and peace will flow to all the people.
4
May the poor and humble have an advocate with the king.
May he consider the children of the poor
and crush the cruel oppressor.
5
The sun and moon will stop shining
before your lovers will stop worshiping;
for ages upon ages the people will love and adore you!
6
Your favor will fall like rain upon our surrendered lives,
like showers reviving the earth.
7
In the days of his reign the righteous will spring forth
with the abundance of peace and prosperity forevermore.
8
May he subdue and take dominion from sea to sea;
may he rule from the river to the rim.
9
Desert nomads are bowing at his feet,
every enemy falling facedown, biting the dust!
10
Distant kings will surrender and come with their gifts
from every continent and coastland;
they will offer their tribute to you.
11
O King of kings, they will all bow before you.
O King of kings, every nation will one day serve you.
12
when they cry to him for help.
The humble and helpless will know his kindness,
for with a father’s compassion he will save their souls.
13
14
They will be rescued from tyranny and torture,
for their lifeblood is precious in his eyes.
15
Long live this King!
May the wealth of the world be laid before him.
May there be ceaseless praise and prayer to him.
May all the blessing be brought to him.
16
Bless us with a bountiful harvest,
with golden grain swaying on the mountain fields!
May the cities be full of praising people, fruitful and filled —
17
So that his name may be honored forever!
May the fame of his name spring forth!
May it shine on, like the sunshine!
In him all will be blessed to bless others,
and may all the people bless the One who blessed them.
18
Praise forever Jehovah-God, the God of Israel!
He is the one and only God of wonders,
surpassing every expectation.
19
The blazing glory of his name will be praised forever!
May all the earth overflow with his glory!
Faithful is our King! Amen!
20
This concludes the poetry sung by David, Jesse’s son.
1
Asaph’s psalm
No one can deny it — God is really good to Israel
and to all those with pure hearts.
But I nearly missed seeing it for myself.
2
Here’s my story: I came so close to missing the way.
3
I was stumbling over what I saw with the wicked.
For when I saw the boasters with such wealth and prosperity,
I became jealous over their smug security.
4
doing what they wanted, and with no care in the world.
No pain, no problems, they seemed to have it made.
They lived as though life would never end.
5
6
They didn’t even try to hide their pride and opulence.
Cruelty and violence is part of their lifestyle.
7
Pampered and pompous, vice oozes from their souls;
they overflow with vanity.
8
They’re such snobs — looking down their noses.
They even scoff at God!
They are nothing but bullies threatening God’s people.
9
Loudmouths with no fear of God, pretending to know it all.
Windbags full of hot air, impressing only themselves.
10
Yet the people keep coming back to listen
to more of their nonsense.
11
They tell their cohorts, “God will never know.
See, he has no clue of what we’re doing.”
12
These are the wicked ones I’m talking about!
They never have to lift a finger,
living a life of ease while their riches multiply.
13
Have I been foolish to play by the rules and keep my life pure?
14
Here I am suffering under your discipline day after day.
I feel like I’m being punished all day long.
15
If I had given in to my pain and spoken of what I was really feeling,
it would have sounded like unfaithfulness to the next generation.
16
When I tried to understand it all, I just couldn’t.
It was too puzzling — too much of a riddle to me.
17
But then one day I was brought into the sanctuaries of God,
and in the light of glory, my distorted perspective vanished.
Then I understood that the destiny of the wicked was near!
18
They’re the ones who are on the slippery path,
and God will suddenly let them slide off into destruction
to be consumed with terrors forever!
19
It will be an instant end to all their life of ease;
a blink of the eye and they’re swept away by sudden calamity!
They’re all nothing more than momentary monarchs —
20
soon to disappear like a dream when one awakes.
When the rooster crows,
Lord God, you’ll despise their life of fantasies.
21
When I saw all of this, what turmoil filled my heart,
piercing my opinions with your truth.
22
I was so stupid. I was senseless and ignorant,
acting like a brute beast before you, Lord.
23
Yet, in spite of all this, you comfort me by your counsel;
you draw me closer to you.
24
You lead me with your secret wisdom.
And following you brings me into your brightness and glory!
25
Whom have I in heaven but you? You’re all I want!
No one on earth means as much to me as you.
26
Lord, so many times I fail; I fall into disgrace.
But when I trust in you, I have a strong and glorious presence
protecting and anointing me. Forever you’re all I need!
27
Those who abandon the worship of God will perish.
The false and unfaithful will be silenced, never heard from again.
28
But I’ll keep coming closer and closer to you, Lord Yahweh,
for your name is good to me. I’ll keep telling the world of
your awesome works, my faithful and glorious God!
1
Asaph’s poem of instruction
Are you really going to leave us, God?
Would you turn your back on us, rejecting your people?
We are yours, your very own.
Will your anger smolder against us forever?
2
Don’t forget that we are your beloved ones.
Wrap us back into your heart again, for you chose us.
You brought us out of our slavery and bondage
and made us your favored ones, your Zion-people,
your home on earth.
3
Turn your steps toward this devastation.
Come running to bring your restoring grace to these ruins,
to what the enemy has done to devastate your Holy Place.
4
They have come into the very midst of your dwelling place,
roaring like beasts, setting up their banners to flaunt their conquest.
5
Now everything is in shambles! They’ve totally destroyed it.
Like a forest chopped down to the ground,
there’s nothing’s left.
6
All of the beauty of the craftsmanship
of the inner place has been ruined,
smashed, broken, and shattered.
7
They’ve burned it all to the ground.
They’ve violated your sanctuary,
the very dwelling place of your glory and your name.
8
They boasted, “Let’s completely crush them!
Let’s wipe out every trace of this God.
Let’s burn up every sacred place where they worship this God.”
9
We don’t see any miraculous signs anymore.
There’s no longer a prophet among us
who can tell us how long this devastation will continue.
10
God, how much longer will you let this go on
and allow these barbarians to blaspheme your name?
Will you stand back and watch them get away with this forever?
11
Why don’t you do something?
You have the power to break in,
so why would you hide your great power from us?
Don’t hold back! Unleash your might and give them a final blow.
12
You have always been, and always will be, my King.
You are the mighty conqueror, working wonders all over the world.
13
It was you who split the sea in two by your glorious strength.
You smashed the power of Tannin, the sea god.
14
You crushed the might of Leviathan, the great dragon,
then you took the crumbs and fed them to the sharks.
15
With your glory you opened up springs and fountains,
then you spoke and the ever-flowing springs of Jordan
dried up so we could cross over.
16
You own the day and the night.
Sunlight and starlight call you Creator.
17
The four corners of the earth were formed by your hands,
and every changing season owes its beauty to you.
18
O Jehovah, don’t ever forget how these arrogant enemies,
like fools, have mocked your name.
19
Lord, aren’t we your beloved dove that praises you?
Protect us from these wild beasts who want to harm us.
Don’t leave us as lambs among wolves!
You can’t abandon us after all we’ve been through!
20
Remember your promises to us,
for darkness covers the land,
giving the violent ones a hiding place.
21
Don’t let these insults continue.
Can’t you see that we are your downtrodden
and oppressed people?
Make the poor and needy into a choir of praise to you!
22
Don’t ignore these ignorant words, this continual mocking.
Rise up, God; it’s time to defend yourself from all of this.
23
Never forget what your adversaries are saying.
For their rage and uproar rise continually against you.
It’s time to stand up to them!
1
To the Pure and Shining One
Asaph’s poetic song to the tune of “Do Not Destroy”
God, our hearts spill over with praise to you!
We overflow with thanks, for your name is the “Near One.”
All we want to talk about is your wonderful works!
And we hear your reply:
2
“When the time is ripe I will arise,
and I will judge the world with perfect righteousness.
3
Though I have set the earth firmly on its pillars,
I will shake it until it totters and everyone’s hearts will tremble.”
— Pause in his presence
4
God warns the proud, “Stop your arrogant boasting!”
And he warns the wicked,
“Don’t think for a moment you can resist me!
5
Why would you speak with such stubborn pride?
Don’t you dare raise your fist against me!”
6
the favor that brings promotion and power
doesn’t come from anywhere on earth,
for no one exalts a person but God, the true judge of all.
He alone determines where favor rests.
He anoints one for greatness
and brings another down to his knees.
7
8
A foaming cup filled with judgment mixed with fury
is in the hands of the Lord Jehovah,
full to the brim and ready to run over.
He filled it up for the wicked and they will drink it
down to the very last drop!
9
But I will proclaim the victory of the God of Jacob.
My melodies of praise will make him known.
10
My praises will break the powers of wickedness
while the righteous will be promoted and become powerful!
1
To the Pure and Shining One
Asaph’s poetic tune, a song of smiting
God is well known in the land of Judah.
He is famous throughout Israel,
2
making his home in Jerusalem, living here on Mount Zion.
3
That’s where he smashes every weapon of war
that comes against him.
That’s where he uses the broken arrows
as kindling for his mighty bonfire.
— Pause in his presence
4
God, you are so resplendent and radiant!
Your majesty shines from your everlasting mountain.
Nothing could be compared to you in glory!
5
Even the mightiest of men have been paralyzed by your presence.
They were so stunned and lifeless,
not even the strongest one could lift a hand.
6
When Jacob’s God roared his rebuke,
soldiers and their steeds all fell to the ground,
stunned and lying still.
7
No wonder you are greatly feared! You are the awe-inspiring God!
For who could ever stand before your face
when your fierce anger burns and live to tell about it.
8
As the earth itself holds its breath in awe before you,
judgment is decreed from heaven.
9
You arise to punish evil and defend the gentle upon the earth.
— Pause in his presence
10
You have power to transform man’s futile anger into praise.
The fury of your enemies only causes your fame to increase.
11
So you’d better keep every promise you’ve ever made
to the Awesome One, Jehovah-God!
Let all people bring their extravagant gifts to him alone.
12
He is famous for breaking the spirit of the powers that be.
And the kings of the earth will know him as the Fearsome One!
1
To the Pure and Shining One
Asaph’s poetic song of love’s celebration
I poured out my complaint to you, God.
I lifted up my voice, shouting out for your help.
2
When I was in deep distress, in my day of trouble,
I reached out for you with hands stretched out to heaven.
Over and over I kept looking for you, God,
but your comforting grace was nowhere to be found.
3
As I thought of you I moaned, “God, where are you?”
I’m overwhelmed with despair as I wait for your help to arrive.
— Pause in his presence
4
I can’t get a wink of sleep until you come and comfort me.
Now I’m too burdened to even pray!
5
My mind wandered, thinking of days gone by —
the years long since passed.
6
Then I remembered the worship songs I used to sing
in the night seasons,
and my heart began to fill again with thoughts of you.
So my spirit went out once more in search of you.
7
Would you really walk off and leave me forever, my Lord God?
Won’t you show me your kind favor, delighting in me again?
8
Has your well of sweet mercy dried up?
Will your promises never come true?
9
Have you somehow forgotten to show me love?
Are you so angry that you’ve closed
your heart of compassion toward me?
— Pause in his presence
10
Lord, what wounds me most is that it’s somehow my fault that
you’ve changed your heart toward me
and I no longer see the years of the Mighty One
and your right hand of power.
11
Yet I could never forget all your miracles, my God,
as I remember all your wonders of old.
12
I ponder all you’ve done, Lord, musing on all your miracles.
13
It’s here in your presence, in your sanctuary,
where I learn more of your ways.
For holiness is revealed in everything you do.
Lord, you’re the one and only, the great and glorious God!
14
Your display of wonders, miracles, and power
makes the nations acknowledge you.
15
By your glory-bursts you’ve rescued us over and over.
Just ask the sons of Jacob or
the sons of Joseph and they will tell you!
And all of us, your beloved ones, know that it’s true!
— Pause in his presence
16
When the many waters of the Red Sea took one look at you,
they were afraid and ran away to hide —
trembling to its depths!
17
Storm clouds filled with water high in the skies;
cloudbursts and thunderclaps announced your approach.
Lightning-flashes lit up the landscape.
18
Rolling whirlwinds exploded with sonic booms of thunder,
rumbling as the skies shouted out your story
with light and sound and wind.
Everything on earth shook and trembled as you drew near.
19
Your steps formed a highway through the seas
with footprints on a pathway no one even knew was there.
20
You led your people forward by your loving hand,
blessed by the leadership of Moses and Aaron.
1
Asaph’s poetic song of instruction
Beloved ones, listen to this instruction.
Open your heart to the revelation
of this mystery that I share with you.
2
A parable and a proverb are hidden in what I say —
an intriguing riddle from the past.
3
We will continue to tell our children
and not hide from the rising generation
the great marvels of our God —
his miracles and power that have brought us all this far.
4
5
The story of Israel is a lesson in God’s ways.
He established decrees for Jacob and established the law in Israel,
and he commanded our forefathers to teach them to their children.
6
For perpetuity God’s ways will be passed down
from one generation to the next, even to those not yet born.
7
In this way, every generation will have a living faith in the laws of life
and will never forget the faithful ways of God.
8
By following his ways they will break the past bondage
of their fickle fathers, who were a stubborn, rebellious generation
and whose spirits strayed from the eternal God.
They refused to love him with all their hearts.
9
Take, for example, the sons of Ephraim.
Though they were all equipped warriors, each with weapons,
when the battle began they retreated and ran away in fear.
10
They didn’t really believe the promises of God;
they refused to trust him and move forward in faith.
11
They forgot his wonderful works and the miracles of the past,
12
even their exodus from Egypt, the epic miracle of his might.
They forgot the glories of his power at the place of passing over.
13
God split the sea wide open, and
the waters stood at attention on either side
as the people passed on through!
14
By day the moving glory-cloud led them forward.
And all through the night the fire-cloud stood as a sentry of light.
15
and the waters flowed like a river before their very eyes.
He gave them all they wanted to drink from his living springs.
16
17
Yet they kept their rebellion alive against God Most High,
and their sins against God continued to be counted.
18
In their hearts they tested God just to get what they wanted,
asking for the food their hearts craved.
19
demanding he prove his love by saying,
“Can’t God provide for us in this barren wilderness?
Will he give us food, or will he only give us water?
Where’s our meal?”
20
21
Then God heard all their complaining and was furious!
His anger flared up against his people.
22
For they turned away from faith and walked away in fear;
they failed to trust in his power to help them when he was near.
23
the windows of heaven poured out food,
the mercy bread-manna.
The grain of grace fell from the clouds.
24
25
Humans ate angels’ food — the meal of the mighty ones.
His grace gave them more than enough!
26
and food rained down upon them;
succulent quail quieted their hunger as they ate all they wanted.
27
28
Food fell from the skies, thick as clouds;
their provision floated down right in front of their eyes!
29
He gave them all they desired, and they ate to their fill.
30
even with their food still in their mouths,
God’s fiery anger arose against them,
killing the finest of their mighty men.
31
32
Yet in spite of all this, they kept right on sinning.
Even when they saw God’s marvels,
they refused to believe God could care for them.
33
So God cut their lives short with sudden disaster,
with nothing to show for their lives but fear and failure.
34
When he cared for them they ignored him,
but when he began to kill them, ending their lives in a moment,
they came running back to God, pleading for mercy.
35
They remembered that God, the Mighty One,
was their strong protector,
the Hero-God who would come to their rescue.
36
they lied through their teeth to the true God of Covenant.
So quickly they wandered away from his promises,
following God with their words and not their hearts!
Their worship was only flattery.
37
38
But amazingly, God — so full of compassion — still forgave them.
He covered over their sins with his love,
refusing to destroy them all.
Over and over he held back his anger,
restraining wrath to show them mercy.
39
He knew that they were made from mere dust —
frail, fragile, and short-lived, here today and gone tomorrow.
40
How many times they rebelled in their desert days!
How they grieved him with their grumblings.
41
Again and again they limited God, preventing him from blessing them.
Continually they turned back from him
and provoked the Holy One of Israel!
42
They forgot his great love, how he took them by his hand,
and with redemption’s kiss he delivered them from their enemies.
43
They disregarded all the epic signs and marvels they saw
when they escaped from Egypt’s bondage.
They forgot the judgment of the plagues that set them free.
44
God turned their rivers into blood, leaving the people thirsty.
45
He sent them vast swarms of filthy flies that sucked their blood.
He sent hordes of frogs, ruining their lives.
46
Grasshoppers consumed all their crops.
47
Every garden and every orchard
was flattened with blasts of hailstones,
their fruit trees ruined by a killing frost.
48
Even their cattle fell prey, pounded by the falling hail;
their livestock were struck with bolts of lightning.
49
Finally, he unleashed upon them the fierceness of his anger.
Such fury!
He sent them sorrow and devastating trouble
by his mighty band of destroying angels;
messengers of death were dispatched against them.
50
and did not spare their lives.
He released the judgment-plagues to rage through their land.
God struck down in death all the firstborn sons of Egypt —
the pride and joy of each family.
51
52
Then, like a shepherd leading his sheep, God led his people
out of tyranny, guiding them through the wilderness like a flock.
53
Safely and carefully God led them out, with nothing to fear.
But their enemies he led into the sea.
He took care of them there once and for all!
54
Eventually God brought his people to the Holy Land,
to a land of hills that he had prepared for them.
55
He drove out and scattered all the peoples occupying the land,
staking out an inheritance, a portion for each of Israel’s tribes.
56
Yet for all of this, they still rebelled and refused to follow his ways,
provoking to anger the God Most High.
57
They were even worse than their fathers!
They became treacherous deceivers, crooked and corrupt,
and worshiped false gods in the high places,
bringing low the name of God with every idol they erected.
No wonder he was filled with jealousy and furious with anger!
58
59
Enraged with anger, God turned his wrath on them,
and he rejected his people with disgust.
60
God walked away from them and left his dwelling place at Shiloh,
abandoning the place where he had lived among them,
61
allowing his emblem of strength, his glory-ark to be captured.
Enemies stole the very source of Israel’s power.
62
God vented his rage, allowing his people to be butchered
when they went out to battle,
for his anger was intense against his very own.
63
Their young men fell on the battlefield and never came back.
Their daughters never heard their wedding songs
since there was no one left to marry!
64
Their priests were slaughtered and their widows were killed
before they had time to weep.
65
Then all at once the Almighty awakened
as though he had been asleep.
Like a mighty man he arose, roaring into action!
66
He blasted into battle, driving back every foe,
defeating them in disgrace for time and eternity.
67
He rejected Joseph’s family, the tribe of Ephraim.
68
He chose instead the tribe of Judah
and Mount Zion, which he loves.
69
There he built his towering temple,
strong and enduring as the earth itself.
70
God also chose his beloved one, David.
He promoted him from caring for sheep
and made him his prophetic servant.
71
and presented him before the people
as the one who would love and care for them
with integrity, a pure heart, and the anointing
to lead Israel, his holy inheritance.
1
Asaph’s poetic song
God, won’t you do something?
Barbarians have invaded your inheritance.
Your temple of holiness has been violated,
and Jerusalem has been left in ruins.
2
The corpses of your loving people are lying in the open —
food for the beasts and the birds.
3
The shed blood of your servants has soaked the city,
with no one left to bury the dead.
4
Now the nearby nations heap their scorn upon us,
scoffing, mocking us incessantly.
5
How much longer, O Jehovah-God, must we endure this?
Does your anger have no end?
Will your jealousy burn like a raging fire?
6
If you’re going to pour out your anger,
pour it out on all these nations around us, not on us!
They’re the ones who do not love you like we do!
7
See how they’ve attacked us, consuming the land,
leaving it desolate.
8
Please, God, don’t hold the sins of our fathers against us.
Don’t make us pay for their sins.
Hurry to our side, and let your tenderhearted mercy
meet us in our need, for we are devastated beyond belief.
9
Our hero, come and rescue us!
O God of the breakthrough, for the glory of your name,
come and help us!
Forgive and restore us; heal us and cover us in your love.
10
Why should all the nations sneer at us, saying,
“Where is this God of yours?”
Now is the time, Lord.
Show your people and all the world that
you will avenge this slaughter and bloodshed once and for all!
11
Listen, Lord! Hear the sighing of all the prisoners of war,
all those doomed to die. Demonstrate your glory-power,
and come and rescue your condemned children!
12
Lord God, take what these mocking masses have done to us
and pay it all back to them seven times over.
13
Then we, your lovers, will forever thank you,
praising your name from generation to generation!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
Asaph’s poetic song, set to the tune of “Your Decrees Are Like Lilies”
God-Enthroned, be revealed in splendor
as you ride upon the cherubim!
How perfectly you lead us, a people set free.
Loving shepherd of Israel — listen to our hearts’ cry!
Shine forth from your throne of dazzling light.
2
In the sight of Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh,
stir up your mighty power in full display before our eyes.
Break through and reveal yourself by coming to our rescue.
3
Revive us, O God! Let your beaming face shine upon us
with the sunrise rays of glory;
then nothing will be able to stop us.
4
O God, the mighty Commander of Angel Armies,
how much longer will you smolder in anger?
How much longer will you be disgusted with your people
even when they pray?
5
You have fed us with sorrow and grief
and made us drink our tears by the bowlful.
6
You’ve made us a thorn in the side of all the neighboring lands,
and now they just laugh at us with their mocking scorn.
7
Come back, come back, O God, and restore us!
You are the Commander of Angel Armies.
Let your beaming face shine upon us with the sunrise rays of glory,
and then nothing will be able to stop us!
8
like a tender vine from Egypt.
You cleared the land for your vineyard,
evicting the nations from your land and planting us here.
The roots of your vineyard went deep into the soil
and filled the land with fruit.
9
10
blessing extended to every mountain of influence.
Through this flourishing vineyard mighty ones were raised up.
The nations were blessed by your fruitful vineyard of Israel,
all the way from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates.
11
12
your fence of favor around us?
Trespassers can steal the fruit from off our vines,
and now every wild beast comes
breaking through our wall to ravage us.
You’ve left us without protection!
13
14
Come back, come back, O God to restore us!
You are the Commander of Angel Armies.
Look down from heaven and see our crisis.
Come down and care for your lovely vineyard once again.
15
Nurture our root and our fruit with your loving care.
Raise up the Branch-Man, the Son whom you’ve made strong.
16
Enemies chopped down our vine and set it on fire;
now show them your anger and let them perish by your frown.
17
Strengthen this Branch-Man, the Son of your love,
the Son of Man who dwells at your right hand.
18
Then we will never turn back from you.
Revive us again, that we may trust in you.
19
O God, the mighty Commander of Angel Armies,
come back and rescue us!
Let your beaming face shine upon us
with the sunrise rays of glory.
Then nothing will ever stop us again!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
Asaph’s poetic song, set to the melody of “For the Feast of Harvest”
Lord, just singing about you makes me strong!
So I’ll keep shouting for joy to Jacob’s God, my champion.
2
Let the celebration begin!
I will sing with drum accompaniment and with the sweet sound
of the harp and guitar strumming.
3
Go ahead! Blow the jubilee trumpet to begin the feast!
Blow it before every joyous celebration and festival.
4
For God has given us these seasons of joy,
days that the God of Jacob decreed for us to celebrate and rejoice.
5
He has given these feasts to remind us of his triumph over Egypt,
when he went out to wage war against them.
I heard the message in an unknown tongue as he said to me,
6
“I have removed your backbreaking burdens
and have freed your hands from the hard labor and toil.
7
You called out to me in your time of trouble and I rescued you.
I came down from the realm of the secret place of thunder,
where mysteries hide.
I came down to save you.
I tested your hearts at the place where there was no water to drink,
the place of your bitter argument with me.”
— Pause in his presence
8
“Listen to me, my dear people.
For I’m warning you, and you’d better listen well!
For I hold something against you.
9
Don’t ever be guilty of worshiping any other god but me.
10
I am your only God, the living God.
Wasn’t I the one who broke the strongholds over you
and raised you up out of bondage?
Open your mouth with a mighty decree;
I will fulfill it now, you’ll see!
The words that you speak, so shall it be!
11
But my people still wouldn’t listen;
my princely people would not yield to me.
12
So I lifted my grace from off of their lives and I surrendered them
to the stubbornness of their hearts.
For they were living according to their own selfish fantasies.
13
O that my people would once and for all listen to me
and walk faithfully in my footsteps, following my ways.
14
Then and only then will I conquer your every foe
and tell every one of them, ‘You must go!’
15
Those who hate my ways will cringe before me
and their punishment will be eternal.
16
But I will feed you with my spiritual bread.
You will feast and be satisfied with me,
feeding on my revelation-truth like honey
dripping from the cliffs of the high place.”
1
Asaph’s poetic song
All rise! For God now comes to judge
as he convenes heaven’s courtroom.
He judges every judge and rules over every ruler, saying,
2
“How long will you judges refuse to listen
to the voice of true justice and continue to corrupt what is right
by judging in favor of the wrong?”
— Pause in his presence
3
“Defend the defenseless, the fatherless and the forgotten,
the disenfranchised and the destitute.
4
Your duty is to deliver the poor and the powerless;
liberate them from the grasp of the wicked.
5
But you continue in your darkness and ignorance
while the foundations of society are shaken to the core!
6
Didn’t I commission you as judges, saying,
‘You are all like gods, since you judge on my behalf.
You are all like sons of the Most High, my representatives.’
7
Nevertheless, in death you are nothing but mere men!
You will be laid in the ground like any prince and you will die.”
8
All rise! For God now takes his place as judge of all the earth.
Don’t you know that everything and everyone belongs to him?
The nations will be sifted in his hands!
1
Asaph’s poetic song
God, you have to do something! Don’t be silent and just sit idly by.
2
All your enemies are stirred up in an uproar!
They despise you, Lord.
In their defiant arrogance they rise up
to host their secret council against your people.
They conspire together to come and harm
your cherished ones — your hidden ones.
3
4
Our enemies keep saying,
“Now is the time to wipe Israel off the map.
We’ll destroy even the memory of her existence!”
5
They’ve made their pact, consulting and conspiring,
aligning together in their covenant against God.
6
and all the nations that surround us,
Philistines, Phoenicians, Gadarenes, and Samaritans;
allied together they’re ready to attack!
— Pause in his presence
7
8
9
Do to them all what you did to the Midianites
who were defeated by Gideon.
Or what you did to Sisera and Jabin
when Deborah and Barak defeated them by the Kishon River.
10
Do to your enemies what you did at Endor,
whose rotting corpses fertilized the land.
11
die like Oreb, Zebah, and Zalmunna, who said in their pride,
“We will seize God’s people along with all their pleasant lands!”
12
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Blow them away, God, like straw in the wind,
like a tumbleweed in the wilderness!
14
Burn them up like a raging fire roaring down the mountainside;
consume them all until only charred sticks remain!
15
Chase them away like before a mighty storm and terrifying tempest.
16
O Lord, disgrace them until their faces fill with shame,
and make them acknowledge the glory of your name.
17
Make them utter failures in everything they do
until they perish in total disgrace and humiliation
18
so they will know that you, and you alone,
are Yahweh, the only Most High God exalted over all the earth!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A prophetic song written by the sons of Korah
Set to the melody of “For the Feast of Harvest”
God of Heaven’s Armies, you find so much beauty in your people!
They’re like lovely sanctuaries of your presence.
2
Deep within me are these lovesick longings,
desires and daydreams of living in union with you.
When I’m near you my heart and my soul
will sing and worship with my joyful songs of you,
my true source and spring of life!
3
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God,
even the sparrows and swallows are welcome to build a nest
among your altars for the birds to raise their young.
4
What pleasure fills those who live every day in your temple,
enjoying you as they worship in your presence!
— Pause in his presence
5
How enriched are they who find their strength in the Lord;
within their hearts are the highways of holiness!
6
Even when their paths wind through the dark valley of tears,
they dig deep to find a pleasant pool where others find only pain.
He gives to them a brook of blessing
filled from the rain of an outpouring.
7
They grow stronger and stronger with every step forward,
and the God of all gods will appear before them in Zion.
8
Hear my cry, O God of Heaven’s Armies!
God of Jacob, listen to my loving prayer.
— Pause in his presence
9
God, your wrap-around presence is our defense.
In your kindness look upon the faces of your anointed ones.
10
For just one day of intimacy with you is like
a thousand days of joy rolled into one!
I’d rather stand at the threshold in front of the Gate Beautiful,
ready to go in and worship my God,
than to live my life without you
in the most beautiful palace of the wicked.
11
For the Lord God is brighter than the brilliance of a sunrise!
Wrapping himself around me like a shield,
he is so generous with his gifts of grace and glory.
Those who walk along his paths with integrity
will never lack one thing they need, for he provides it all!
12
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what euphoria fills those who forever trust in you!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
A prophetic song, composed by the sons of Korah
Lord, your love has poured out
so many amazing blessings on our land!
You’ve restored Jacob’s destiny from captivity.
2
You’ve forgiven our many sins and covered
every one of them in your love.
— Pause in his presence
3
So now it’s obvious that your blazing anger has ended and
the furious fire of wrath has been extinguished by your mercy.
4
So bring us back to loving you, God our Savior.
Restore our hearts so that we’ll never again
feel your anger rise against us.
5
Will you forever hold a grudge?
Will your anger endure for all time?
6
Revive us again, O God! I know you will! Give us a fresh start!
Then all your people will taste your joy and gladness.
7
Pour out even more of your love on us!
Reveal more of your kindness and restore us back to you!
8
Now I’ll listen carefully for your voice
and wait to hear whatever you say.
Let me hear your promise of peace —
the message every one of your godly lovers longs to hear.
Don’t let us in our ignorance turn back from following you.
9
For I know your power and presence shines on all your lovers.
Your glory always hovers over all who bow low before you.
10
Your mercy and your truth have married each other.
Your righteousness and peace have kissed.
11
Flowers of your faithfulness are blooming on the earth.
Righteousness shines down from the sky.
12
Yes, the Lord keeps raining down blessing after blessing,
and prosperity will drench the land with a bountiful harvest.
13
For deliverance and peace are his forerunners,
preparing a path for his steps.
1
King David’s prayer
Lord, bend down to listen to my prayer.
I am in deep trouble. I’m broken and humbled,
and I desperately need your help.
2
Guard my life, for I’m your faithful friend, your loyal servant for life.
I turn to you in faith, my God, my hero; come and rescue me!
3
Lord God, hear my constant cry for help;
show me your favor and bring me to your fountain of grace!
4
Restore joy to your loving servant once again,
for all I am is yours, O God.
5
Lord, you are so good to me, so kind in every way
and ready to forgive,
for your grace-fountain keeps overflowing,
drenching all your lovers who pray to you.
6
God, won’t you pay attention to this urgent cry?
Lord, bend down to listen to my prayer.
7
Whenever trouble strikes, I will keep crying out to you,
for I know your help is on the way.
8
God, there’s no one like you;
there’s no other god as famous as you.
You outshine all others and your miracles make it easy to know you.
9
Lord Almighty, you are the one who created all the nations;
Look at them — they’re all on their way!
Yes, the day will come when they all will worship you
and put your glory on display.
10
You are the one and only God.
What miracles! What wonders! What greatness belongs to you!
11
Teach me more about you, how you work and how you move,
so that I can walk onward in your truth
until everything within me brings honor to your name.
12
With all my heart and passion I will thank you, my God!
I will give glory to your name, always and forever!
13
You love me so much and you placed your greatness upon me.
You rescued me from the deepest place of darkness,
and you have delivered me from a certain death.
14
God, look at how these arrogant ones have defied me.
Like a vicious band of violent men they have tried to kill me.
They wouldn’t worry for a moment that they were sinning against you!
15
But Lord, your nurturing love is tender and gentle.
You are slow to get angry yet so swift to show your faithful love.
You are full of abounding grace and truth.
16
Bring me to your grace-fountain
so that your strength becomes mine.
Be my hero and come rescue your servant once again!
17
Send me a miraculous sign to show me how much you love me,
so that those who hate me will see it and be ashamed.
Don’t they know that you, Lord, are my comforter,
the one who comes to help me?
1
A prophetic song, composed by the sons of Korah
High upon his hills of holiness stands God’s city.
2
How God loves the gates of Zion, his favorite place on earth.
3
So many glorious things have been proclaimed
over Zion, God’s holy city!
— Pause in his presence
4
For the Lord says, “Here are the nations
who will acknowledge me as God:
Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, and the Mediterranean people,
even distant Ethiopia.
They will all boast, ‘I was born in Zion!’”
5
But over Zion it will be said,
“The mighty Man was born there and he will establish it.”
For the God Most High will truly bless Jerusalem.
6
And when he counts her citizens, recording them in his registry,
he will write by their name: “This one was born again here!”
— Pause in his presence
7
And the princes of God’s feasts will sing and dance, singing,
“Every fountain of delight springs up from your life within me!”
1
To the Pure and Shining One
A prophetic song for the sons of Korah
To the tune of “Pierced,” for instruction by Heman the Ezrahite
Yahweh is the God who continually saves me.
I weep before you night and day.
2
Please bend down and listen to my sobbing,
for my life is riddled with troubles
and death is just around the corner!
3
Everyone sees my life ebbing out.
They consider me a hopeless case and see me as a dead man.
4
They’ve all left me here to die, helpless,
like one who is doomed for death.
5
They’re convinced you’ve forsaken me,
certain that you’ve forgotten me completely —
abandoned, pierced, with nothing to look forward to but death.
6
They have discarded me and thrown me down
into the deepest darkness as into a bottomless pit.
7
I feel your wrath and it’s a heavy weight upon me,
drowning me beneath a sea of sorrow.
— Pause in his presence
8
Why did you turn all my friends against me?
You’ve made me like a cursed man in their eyes.
No one wants to be with me now.
You’ve caught me in a trap with no way out.
9
Every day I beg for your help. Can’t you see my tears?
My eyes are swollen with weeping.
My arms are wide, longing for mercy,
but you’re nowhere to be found.
10
How can those who are cut off from your care
even know that you are there?
How can I rise up to praise you if I’m dead and gone?
11
Who can give thanks for your love in the graveyard?
Who preaches your faithfulness in the place of destruction?
12
Does death’s darkness declare your miracles?
How can anyone who’s in the grave, where all is forgotten,
remember how you keep your promises?
13
Lord, you know my prayer before I even whisper it.
At each and every sunrise you will
continue to hear my cry until you answer.
14
O Lord, why have you thrown my life away?
Will you keep turning the other way every time I call out to you?
15
I’ve had to live in poverty and trouble all my life.
Now I’m humiliated, broken, and helpless before your terrors
and I can’t take it anymore.
16
I’m overwhelmed by your burning anger.
I’ve taken the worst you could give me
and I’m speechless before you.
17
I’m drowning beneath the waves of this sorrow,
cut off with no one to help.
18
All my loved ones and friends keep far away from me,
leaving me all alone with only darkness as my friend.
1
Poems by Ethan the Ezrahite for instruction First Poem — God’s Promises to David
This forever-song I sing of the gentle love of God!
Young and old alike will hear about
your faithful, steadfast love — never failing!
2
Here’s my chorus: “Your mercy grows through the ages.
Your faithfulness is firm, rising up to the skies.”
3
I heard the Lord say, “My covenant has been made
and I’m committed forever to my chosen one, David.
4
I have made my oath that there will be sons of David forever,
sons that are kings through every generation.”
— Pause in his presence
5
All the holy ones are praising you for your miracles.
The sons of God are all praising you for your mighty wonders.
We could search the skies forever and never find one like you.
All the mighty angels could not be compared to you.
6
7
You are a God who is greatly to be feared
as you preside over the council of holy ones.
You are surrounded by trembling ones
who are overwhelmed with fear and dread,
stunned as they stand in awe of you!
8
So awesome are you, O Yahweh, Lord God of Angel Armies!
Where could we find anyone as glorious as you?
Your faithfulness shines all around you!
9
You rule over oceans and the swelling seas.
When their stormy waves rise, you speak, and they lie still.
10
You crushed the strongholds of Egypt
and all your enemies were scattered
at the mighty display of your glory-power.
11
All the heavens and everything on earth belong to you,
for you are the Creator of all that is seen and unseen.
12
The four corners of the earth were put in place by you.
You made the majestic mountains
that are still shouting their praises to your name.
13
Breathtaking and awesome is your power!
Astounding and unbelievable
is your might and strength when it goes on display!
14
Your glorious throne rests on a foundation
of righteousness and just verdicts.
Grace and truth are the attendants who go before you.
15
O Lord, how blessed are the people
who experience the shout of worship,
for they walk in the radiance of your presence.
16
We can do nothing but leap for joy all day long,
for we know who you are and what you do,
and you’ve exalted us on high.
17
The glory of your splendor is our strength,
and your marvelous favor makes us even stronger,
lifting us even higher!
18
You are our King, the holiest one of all;
your wrap-around presence is our protection.
19
“I have found a mighty hero for my people.
I have chosen David as my loving servant and exalted him.
I have anointed him as king with the oil of my holiness.
20
21
I will be strength to him and I will give him
my grace to sustain him no matter what comes.
22
None of his enemies will get the best of him,
nor will the wicked one overpower him.
23
For I will crush his every adversary
and do away with all who hate him.
24
Because I love him and treasure him,
my faithfulness will always protect him.
I will place my great favor upon him,
and I will cause his power and fame to increase.
25
I will set his hand over the sea
and his right hand over the rivers.
26
And he will come before me, saying,
‘You truly are my Father, my only God, and my strong deliverer!’
27
I am setting him apart, favoring him as my firstborn son.
I will make him the most high king in all the earth!
28
I will love him forever and always show him kindness.
My covenant with him will never be broken.
29
For I have decreed that he will always have an heir —
a dynasty that will release the days of heaven on earth.
30
refusing to walk in my truth, renouncing and violating my laws,
then I will surely punish them for their sins
with my stern discipline until they regret it.
31
32
33
But I will never, no never, lift my faithful love from off their lives.
My kindness will prevail and I will never disown them.
34
For I have given him my word, my holy, irrevocable word.
How could I lie to my loving servant David?
35
36
and their kingdom will endure as long as the sun is in the sky.
This covenant will be an unbreakable promise that
I have established for all time.”
— Pause in his presence
37
38
Why have you rejected me, the one you anointed?
Why would you cast me away?
Why would you lose your temper with me?
39
You have torn up the contract you made with me, your servant.
You have stripped away my crown and thrown it to the ground.
40
You have torn down all my walls of defense
and have made my every hiding place into ruins.
41
All the passersby attack and rob me while my neighbors mock!
42
Instead of fighting for me, you took the side of my enemies,
even giving them strength to subdue me,
and then watched them celebrate their victory!
43
You are no longer helping me in battle.
You’ve forsaken me to the swords of those
who would strike me down.
44
You’ve made my regal splendor to decrease
and allowed my rule to be overthrown.
45
Because of you, I’ve become old before my time and
I’m publicly disgraced!
— Pause in his presence
46
How long will you hide your love from me?
Have you left me for good?
How long will your anger continue to burn against me?
47
Remember, Lord, I am nothing but dust,
here today and so soon blown away.
Is this all you’ve created us for? For nothing but this?
48
Which one of us will live forever?
We are all mortal, terminal, for we will all one day die.
Which one of us would ever escape our appointment with death
and dodge our own funeral?
— Pause in his presence
49
So God, where is all this love and kindness you promised us?
What happened to your covenant with David?
50
Have you forgotten how your own servants are being slandered?
Lord God, it seems like I’m carrying in my heart
all the pain and abuse of many people.
51
They have relentlessly insulted and persecuted us,
your anointed ones.
52
Nevertheless, blessed be our God forever and ever.
Amen. Faithful is our King!
1
A prayer of Moses, God’s prophet
Lord, you have always been our eternal home,
our hiding place from generation to generation.
2
Long before you gave birth to the earth
and before the mountains were born,
you have been from everlasting to everlasting,
the one and only true God.
3
When you speak the words “Life, return to me!”
man turns back to dust.
4
One thousand years pass before your eyes
like yesterday that quickly faded away,
like a night’s sleep soon forgotten.
5
We glide along through the tides of time —
so quickly gone, like a dream that fades at dawn.
Like glistening grass that springs up one day
and is dry and withered the next, ready to be cut down!
6
7
Terrified by your anger, confined beneath the curse,
we live our lives knowing your wrath.
8
For all of our faults and flaws are in full view to you.
Everything we want to hide, you search out
and expose by the radiance of your face.
9
We are banished to live in the shadow of your anger.
Our days soon become years until our lifetime comes to an end,
finished with nothing but a sigh.
10
You’ve limited our life span to a mere seventy years,
yet some you give grace to live still longer.
But even the best of years are marred by tears and toils,
and in the end with nothing more than a gravestone in a graveyard!
We’re gone so quickly, so swiftly;
we pass away and simply disappear.
11
Lord, who fully knows the power of your passion
and the intensity of your emotions?
12
Help us to remember that our days are numbered,
and help us to interpret our lives correctly.
Set your wisdom deeply in our hearts
so that we may accept your correction.
13
Return to us again, O God!
How much longer will it take until you show us
your abundant compassion?
14
Let the sunrise of your love end our dark night.
Break through our clouded dawn again!
Only you can satisfy our hearts,
filling us with songs of joy to the end of our days.
15
We’ve been overwhelmed with grief;
come now and overwhelm us with gladness.
Replace our years of trouble with decades of delight.
16
Let us see your miracles again, and let the rising generation
see the glorious wonders you’re famous for.
17
O Lord our God, let your sweet beauty rest upon us
and give us favor.
Come work with us, and then our works will endure,
and give us success in all we do.
1
When you sit enthroned under the shadow of Shaddai,
you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.
2
He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me,
the only God for me, and my great confidence.
3
He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,
and he will protect you from false accusation
and any deadly curse.
4
His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.
You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.
His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.
5
You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night
nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.
6
Don’t fear a thing!
Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you,
nor will the powers of evil launched against you.
7
Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed,
you will remain unscathed and unharmed.
8
you will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,
for they will be paid back for what they have done!
9
our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm.
How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?
10
11
God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go,
defending you from all harm.
12
If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you
and keep you from stumbling.
13
You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness,
trampling every one of them beneath your feet!
14
For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:
“Because you have delighted in me as my great lover,
I will greatly protect you.
I will set you in a high place, safe and secure before my face.
15
I will answer your cry for help every time you pray,
and you will find and feel my presence
even in your time of pressure and trouble.
I will be your glorious hero and give you a feast.
16
You will be satisfied with a full life and with all that I do for you.
For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!”
1
A poetic praise song for the day of worship
It’s so enjoyable to come before you
with uncontainable praises spilling from our hearts!
How we love to sing our praises over and over to you,
to the matchless God, high and exalted over all!
2
At each and every sunrise we will be thanking you
for your kindness and your love.
As the sun sets and all through the night,
we will keep proclaiming, “You are so faithful!”
3
Melodies of praise will fill the air as every musical instrument,
joined with every heart, overflows with worship.
4
No wonder I’m so glad; I can’t keep it in!
Lord, I’m shouting with glee over all you’ve done,
for all you’ve done for me!
5
What mighty miracles and your power at work, just to name a few.
Depths of purpose and layers of meaning
saturate everything you do.
6
Such amazing mysteries found within every miracle
that nearly everyone seems to miss.
Those with no discernment can never really discover
the deep and glorious secrets hidden in your ways.
7
It’s true the wicked flourish, but only for a moment,
foolishly forgetting their destiny with death,
that they will all one day be destroyed forevermore.
8
But you, O Lord, are exalted forever
in the highest place of endless glory,
9
while all your opponents, the workers of wickedness,
will all perish, forever separated from you.
10
Your anointing has made me strong and mighty.
You’ve empowered my life for triumph
by pouring fresh oil over me.
11
You’ve said that those lying in wait to pounce on me
would be defeated,
and now it’s happened right in front of my eyes
and I’ve heard their cries of surrender!
12
Yes! Look how you’ve made all your lovers
to flourish like palm trees,
each one growing in victory, standing with strength!
13
You’ve transplanted them into your heavenly courtyard,
where they are thriving before you.
14
For in your presence they will still overflow and be anointed.
Even in their old age they will stay fresh,
bearing luscious fruit and abiding faithfully.
15
Listen to them! With pleasure they still proclaim:
“You’re so good! You’re my beautiful strength!
You’ve never made a mistake with me.”
1
A Friday song, composed by King David after being resettled in the land
Look! Yahweh now reigns as King!
He has covered himself with majesty and strength,
wearing them as his splendor-garments.
Regal power surrounds him as he sits securely on his throne.
He’s in charge of it all, the entire world,
and he knows what he’s doing!
2
Lord, you have reigned as King from the very beginning of time.
Eternity is your home.
3
The raging waves lifted themselves over and over,
high above the ocean’s depths, letting out their mighty roar!
Yet at the sound of your voice they were all stilled by your might.
What a majestic King, filled with power!
4
5
Nothing could ever change your royal decrees;
they will last forever!
Holiness is the beauty that fills your house;
you are the one who abides forevermore!
1
A Wednesday song, composed by King David
Lord God Almighty, you are the God
who takes vengeance on your enemies.
It’s time for you to punish evil!
Let your rays of revelation-light shine from your people and
pierce the conscience of the wicked and punish them.
2
It’s time to arise as judge of all the earth;
arise to punish the proud with the penalty they deserve!
3
How much longer will you sit back and watch the wicked
triumph in their evil, boasting in all that is wrong?
4
big in their own eyes, all because of the crimes
they’ve committed against your people!
See how they’re crushing those who love you, God,
cruelly oppressing those who belong to you.
5
6
Heartlessly they murder the widows, the foreigners,
and even the orphaned children.
7
They say to themselves, “The Lord God doesn’t see this.
Their God, the God of Jacob, he doesn’t even care!”
8
But you’d better watch out, you stupid fools!
You’d better wise up! Why would you act like God doesn’t exist?
Do you really think that God can’t hear their cries?
9
God isn’t hard of hearing; he’ll hear all their cries.
God isn’t blind. He who made the eye has superb vision
and he’s watching all you do.
10
Won’t the God who knows all things know what you’ve done?
The God who punishes nations will surely punish you!
11
The Lord has fully examined every thought of man
and found them all to be empty and futile.
12
Lord Yah, there’s such a blessing that comes
when you teach us your word and your ways.
Even the sting of your correction can be sweet.
13
It rescues us from our days of trouble
until you are ready to punish the wicked.
14
For the Lord will never walk away from his cherished ones,
nor would he forsake his chosen ones who belong to him.
15
Whenever you pronounce judgments, they reveal righteousness.
All your lovers will be pleased.
16
Lord, who will protect me from these wicked ones?
If you don’t stand to defend me, who will? I have no one but you!
17
I would have been killed so many times
if you had not been there for me.
18
When I screamed out, “Lord, I’m doomed!”
your fiery love was stirred and you raced to my rescue.
19
Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control,
the soothing comfort of your presence
calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight.
20
It’s obvious to all; you will have nothing to do
with corrupt rulers who pass laws that empower evil
and defeat what is right.
21
For they gang up against the lovers of righteousness
and condemn the innocent to death.
22
Every plot they hatch will simply seal their own doom.
For you, my God, you will destroy them,
giving them what they deserve.
For you are my true tower of strength,
my safe place, my hideout, and my true shelter.
1
Come on, everyone! Let’s sing for joy to the Lord!
Let’s shout our loudest praises to our God who saved us!
2
Everyone come meet his face with a thankful heart.
Don’t hold back your praises;
make him great by your shouts of joy!
3
For the Lord is the greatest of all,
King-God over all other gods!
4
In one hand he holds the mysteries of the earth
and in the other he holds the highest mountain peaks.
5
He’s the owner of every ocean,
the engineer and sculptor of earth itself!
6
Come and kneel before this Creator-God;
come and bow before the mighty God, our majestic maker!
7
So drop everything else and listen to his voice!
For this is what he’s saying:
“Today, when I speak,
don’t even think about turning a deaf ear to me
like they did when they tested me at Meribah and Massah,
the place where they argued with me, their Creator.
Your ancestors challenged me over and over with their complaining,
even though I had convinced them of my power and love.
They still doubted my care for them.
8
9
10
So for forty long years I was grieved and disgusted by them.
I described them as wicked wanderers
whose hearts would not follow my ways or keep my words.
11
So I made a vow in my anger and declared,
‘They will never enter the resting place I’ve planned for them!’
So don’t you ever be hard-hearted or stubborn like they were!”
1
Go ahead — sing your new song to the Lord!
Let everyone in every language sing him a new song.
2
Tell everyone every day how wonderful he is.
Give them the good news of our great Savior.
Take the message of his glory and miracles to every nation.
Tell them about all the amazing things he has done.
3
4
For the Lord’s greatness is beyond description
and he deserves all the praise that comes to him.
He is our King-God and it’s right to be in holy awe of him.
5
Other gods are absolutely worthless.
For the Lord God is Creator-God,
who spread the splendor of the skies!
6
Breathtaking brilliance and awe-inspiring majesty
radiate from his shining presence.
His stunning beauty overwhelms all who come before him.
7
Surrender to the Lord Yahweh, all you nations and peoples.
Surrender to him all your pride and strength.
8
Confess that Jehovah alone deserves all the glory and honor.
Bring an offering and come celebrate in his courts.
9
Come worship the Lord God wearing the splendor of holiness.
Let everyone wait in wonder as they tremble in awe before him.
10
Tell the nations plainly that Yahweh rules over all!
He is doing a great job, and nothing will disrupt him,
for he treats everyone fair and square.
11
Let oceans thunder and fields echo this ecstatic praise
until every swaying tree of every forest joins in,
lifting up their songs of joyous praise to him!
12
13
For here he comes, the Lord God,
and he’s ready to judge the world.
He will do what’s right and can be trusted
to always do what’s fair.
1
A psalm of David when his kingdom was established
Yahweh now reigns as King! Let everyone rejoice!
His rule extends everywhere, even to distant lands,
and the islands of the sea, let them all be glad.
2
Clouds both dark and mysterious now surround him.
His throne of glory rests upon
a foundation of righteousness and justice.
3
All around him burns a blazing glory-fire consuming all his foes.
4
When his lightning strikes, it lights up the world.
People are wide-eyed as they tremble and shake.
5
Mountains melt away like wax in a fire
when the Lord of all the earth draws near.
6
Heaven’s messengers preach righteousness and
people everywhere see his glory in the sky!
7
Shame covers all who boast in other gods, for they worship idols.
For all the supernatural powers once worshiped
the true and living God.
8
But God’s Zion-people are content,
for they know and hear the truth.
The people of praise rejoice over all your judgments, O Lord!
9
For you are King-God, the Most High God over all the earth.
You are exalted above every supernatural power!
10
Listen, you lovers of God! Hate evil,
for God can keep you from wrong
and protect you from the power of wickedness.
11
For he sows seeds of light within his lovers,
and seeds of joy burst forth for the lovers of God!
12
So be glad and continue to give him thanks,
for God’s holiness is seen in everything he does.
1
David’s poetic praise
Go ahead — sing your brand-new song to the Lord!
He is famous for his miracles and marvels,
for he is victorious through his mighty power and holy strength.
2
Everyone knows how God has saved us,
for he has displayed his justice throughout history.
3
He never forgets to show us his love and faithfulness.
How kind he has been to Israel!
All the nations know how he stands behind his people
and how he saves his own.
4
So go ahead, everyone, and shout out your praises with joy!
Break out of the box and let loose
with the most joyous sound of praise!
5
Sing your melody of praise to the Lord
and make music like never before!
6
Blow those trumpets and shofars!
Shout with joyous triumph before King Yahweh!
7
Let the ocean’s waves join in the chorus with their roaring praise
until everyone everywhere shouts out in unison,
“Glory to the Lord!”
8
Let the rivers and streams clap with applause
as the mountains rise in a standing ovation
to join the mighty choir of exaltation.
9
Look! Here he comes! The Lord and judge of all the earth!
He’s coming to make things right and to do it fair and square.
And everyone will see that he does all things well!
1
Yahweh is King over all! Everyone trembles in awe before him.
He rules enthroned between the wings of the cherubim.
So let the earth shake and quake in wonder before him!
2
For Yahweh is great and glorious in the midst of his Zion-people.
He is exalted above all!
3
Let everyone praise this breathtaking God, for he is holy.
4
A lover of justice is our mighty King; he is right in all his ways.
He insists on being fair to all,
promoting true justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5
So everyone, exalt the Lord our God
facedown before his glory-throne, for he is great and holy.
6
God has his praying priests,
like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, who all interceded,
asking God for help.
God heard their cries and came to their rescue.
7
He spoke to them from the pillar of clouds
and they followed his instructions,
doing everything he told them.
8
God, the great forgiver, answered their prayers.
Yet he would punish them when they went astray.
9
Keep exalting the Lord our God
facedown before his glory-throne, for he is great and holy!
1
A poetic song for thanksgiving
Lift up a great shout of joy to the Lord!
Go ahead and do it — everyone, everywhere!
2
As you serve him, be glad and worship him.
Sing your way into his presence with joy!
3
And realize what this really means —
we have the privilege of worshiping the Lord our God.
For he is our Creator and we belong to him.
We are the people of his pleasure.
4
You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise.
Come right into his presence with thanksgiving.
Come bring your thank offering to him
and affectionately bless his beautiful name!
5
For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you.
He’s so loving that it will amaze you —
so kind that it will astound you!
And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all.
Everyone knows our God can be trusted,
for he keeps his promises to every generation!
1
David’s poetic praise
Lord, I will sing about your faithful love for me.
My song of praise will have your justice as its theme.
2
I’m trying my best to walk in the way of integrity,
especially in my own home.
But I need your help!
I’m wondering, Lord, when will you appear?
3
I refuse to gaze on that which is vulgar.
I despise what is evil
and anything that moves my heart away from you.
I will not let evil hold me in its grip.
4
Every perverse and crooked way I have put away from my heart,
for I will have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness.
5
I will silence those who secretly want to slander my friends,
and I will not tolerate the proud and arrogant.
6
My innermost circle will only be those
whom I know are pure and godly.
They will be the only ones I allow to minister to me.
7
There’s no room in my home for hypocrites,
for I can’t stand chronic liars who flatter and deceive.
8
At each and every sunrise I will awake to do what’s right
and put to silence those who love wickedness,
freeing God’s people from their evil grip.
I will do all of this because of my great love for you!
1
A prayer for those who are overwhelmed and for all the discouraged who come
to pour out their hearts before the Lord
Lord, listen to my prayer! Listen to my cry for help!
2
You can’t hide your face from me in the day of my distress.
Stoop down to hear my prayer and answer me quickly, Lord!
3
My body is raging with fever, my heart is sick,
and I’m consumed by this illness —
withered like a dead leaf. I can’t even eat.
4
5
I’m nothing but skin and bones.
Nothing’s left of me but whispered groans.
6
I’m depressed, lonely, forgotten, and abandoned.
7
I’m sleepless, shivering in the cold, forlorn and friendless,
like a lonely bird on the rooftop.
8
My every enemy mocks and insults me incessantly.
They even use my name as a curse to speak over others!
9
all I do is suffer with sorrow,
with nothing to eat but a meal of mourning.
My crying fills my cup with salty tears!
In your wrath you have rejected me,
sweeping me away like dirt on the floor.
10
11
My days are marked by the lengthening shadows of death.
I’m withering away and there’s nothing left of me.
12
But then I remember that you, O Lord,
still sit enthroned as King over all!
The fame of your name will be revealed to every generation.
13
I know you are about to arise and show your tender love to Zion.
Now is the time, Lord,
for your compassion and mercy to be poured out —
the appointed time has come
for your prophetic promises to be fulfilled!
14
For your servants weep in sympathy over Zion’s ruins
and feel love for her every stone.
15
When you arise to intervene,
all the nations and kings will be stunned
and will fear your awesome name, trembling before your glory!
16
Yes, you will reveal yourself to Zion
and appear in the brightness of your glory
to restore her and give her children.
17
He responds to the prayer of the poor and broken
and will not despise the cry of the homeless.
18
Write all this down for the coming generation,
so re-created people will read it and praise the Lord!
19
Tell them how Yah looked down from his high and holy place,
gazing from his glory to survey the earth.
20
He listened to all the groaning of his people longing to be free,
and he set loose the sons of death to experience life.
21
Multitudes will stream to Jerusalem to
praise the Lord and declare his name in Zion!
22
Peoples from every land, their kings and kingdoms,
will gather together to worship the Lord.
23
But God has brought me to my knees, shortening my life.
24
So I cry out to you, my God, Father of eternity,
please don’t let me die!
I know my life is not yet finished.
25
With your hands you once formed the foundations of the earth
and handcrafted the heavens above.
26
ready to be discarded, but you’ll still be here.
You will replace it all!
Your first creation will be changed,
but you alone will endure, the God of all eternity!
27
28
Generation after generation our descendants will live securely,
for you are the one protecting us, keeping us for yourself.
1
King David’s song of praise
With my whole heart, with my whole life,
and with my innermost being,
I bow in wonder and love before you, the holy God!
2
Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration.
How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness
you’ve done for me?
3
You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done.
You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease.
4
You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life.
You’ve crowned me with love and mercy.
5
You satisfy my every desire with good things.
You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again
like a flying eagle in the sky!
6
You’re a God who makes things right,
giving justice to the defenseless.
7
You unveiled to Moses your plans
and showed Israel’s sons what you could do.
8
Lord, you’re so kind and tenderhearted
to those who don’t deserve it
and so patient with people who fail you!
Your love is like a flooding river
overflowing its banks with kindness.
9
You don’t look at us only to find our faults,
just so that you can hold a grudge against us.
10
You may discipline us for our many sins,
but never as much as we really deserve.
Nor do you get even with us for what we’ve done.
11
Higher than the highest heavens —
that’s how high your tender mercy extends!
Greater than the grandeur of heaven above
is the greatness of your loyal love, towering over all
who fear you and bow down before you!
12
Farther than from a sunrise to a sunset —
that’s how far you’ve removed our guilt from us.
13
The same way a loving father feels toward his children —
that’s but a sample of your tender feelings toward us,
your beloved children, who live in awe of you.
14
You know all about us, inside and out.
You are mindful that we’re made from dust.
15
Our days are so few, and our momentary beauty
so swiftly fades away!
16
Then all of a sudden we’re gone,
like grass clippings blown away in a gust of wind,
taken away to our appointment with death,
leaving nothing to show that we were here.
17
But Lord, your endless love stretches
from one eternity to the other,
unbroken and unrelenting toward those who fear you
and those who bow facedown in awe before you.
Your faithfulness to keep every gracious promise you’ve made
passes from parents, to children, to grandchildren, and beyond.
18
You are faithful to all those who follow your ways
and keep your word.
19
God’s heavenly throne is eternal, secure, and strong,
and his sovereignty rules the entire universe.
20
So bless the Lord, all his messengers of power,
for you are his mighty heroes who listen intently
to the voice of his word to do it.
21
Bless and praise the Lord, you mighty warriors,
ministers who serve him well and fulfill his desires.
22
I will bless and praise the Lord with my whole heart!
Let all his works throughout the earth,
wherever his dominion stretches,
let everything bless the Lord!
1
Everything I am will praise and bless the Lord!
O Lord, my God, your greatness takes my breath away,
overwhelming me by your majesty, beauty, and splendor!
2
You wrap yourself with a shimmering, glistening light.
You wear sunshine like a garment of glory.
You stretch out the starry skies like a tapestry.
3
You build your balconies with light beams
and ride as King in a chariot you made from clouds.
You fly upon the wings of the wind.
4
You make your messengers into winds of the Spirit
and all your ministers become flames of fire.
5
You, our Creator, formed the earth,
and you hold it all together so it will never fall apart.
6
You poured the ocean depths over the planet,
submerging mountains beneath.
7
Yet at the sound of your thunder-shout
the waters all fled away, filling the deep with seas.
8
The mountains rose and valleys sank
to the levels you decreed for them.
9
Then you set a boundary line for the seas
and commanded them not to trespass.
10
You sent springs cascading through the valleys,
flowing freely between the mountains and hills.
11
You provide drink for every living thing;
men and beasts have their thirst quenched because of you.
12
The birds build nests near the tranquil streams,
chirping their joyous songs from the branches above.
13
From your kindness you send the rain to water the mountains
from the upper rooms of your palace.
Your goodness brings forth fruit for all to enjoy.
14
Your compassion brings the earth’s harvest, feeding the hungry.
You cause the grass to grow for livestock,
along with the fruit, grains, and vegetables to feed mankind.
15
You provide sweet wine to gladden hearts.
You give us daily bread to sustain life,
giving us glowing health for our bodies.
16
The trees of the Lord drink until they’re satisfied.
Lebanon’s lofty trees stand tall right where you planted them.
17
Within their branches you provide for birds
a place to build their nests;
even herons find a home in the cypress trees.
18
You make the high mountains a home for wild goats
and the rocky crag where the rock badgers burrow.
19
You made the moon to mark the months
and the sun to measure the days.
20
You turn off the light and it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest come out to prowl.
21
The mighty lions roar for their dinner,
but it’s you, God, who feeds them all.
22
At sunrise they slink back to their dens
to crouch down in the shadows.
23
Then man goes out to his labor and toil,
working from dawn to dusk.
24
O Lord, what an amazing variety of all you have created!
Wild and wonderful is this world you have made,
while wisdom was there at your side.
This world is full of so many creatures, yet each belongs to you!
25
And then there is the sea! So vast! So wide and deep —
swarming with countless forms of sea life, both small and great.
26
Trading ships glide through the high seas.
And look! There are the massive whales
bounding upon the waves.
27
All the creatures wait expectantly for you
to give them their food as you determine.
28
You come near and they all gather around,
feasting from your open hands,
and each is satisfied from your abundant supply.
29
But if you were to withhold from them and turn away,
they all would panic.
And when you choose to take away their breath,
each one dies and returns to the dust.
30
When you release your Spirit-wind, life is created,
ready to replenish life upon the earth.
31
May God’s glorious splendor endure forever!
May the Lord take joy and pleasure in all that he has made.
32
For the earth’s overseer has the power to make it tremble;
just a touch of his finger and volcanoes erupt
as the earth shakes and melts.
33
I will sing my song to the Lord as long as I live!
Every day I will sing my praises to God.
34
May you be pleased with every sweet thought I have about you,
for you are the source of my joy and gladness.
35
Now, let all the sinners be swept from the earth.
But I will keep on praising you, my Lord, with all that is within me.
My joyous, blissful shouts of “Hallelujah” are all because of you!
1
Go ahead and give God thanks
for all the glorious things he has done!
Go ahead and worship him!
Tell everyone about his wonders!
2
Let’s sing his praises! Sing, and put all of his miracles to music!
3
Shine and make your joyful boast in him, you lovers of God.
Let’s be happy and keep rejoicing no matter what.
4
Seek more of his strength! Seek more of him!
Let’s always be seeking the light of his face.
5
Don’t you ever forget his miracles and marvels.
Hold to your heart every judgment he has decreed.
6
For you are his servants, the true seed of Abraham,
and you are the chosen ones, Jacob’s sons.
7
For he is the Lord our God,
and his wise authority can be seen in all he does.
8
he is still true to his word.
He has kept every promise he made to Abraham and to Isaac.
9
10
His promises have become an everlasting covenant to Jacob,
as a decree to Jacob.
11
He said to them, “I will give you all the land of Canaan
as your inheritance.”
12
They were very few in number
when God gave them that promise,
and they were all foreigners to that land.
13
They were wandering from one land to another
and from one kingdom to another.
14
Yet God would not permit anyone to touch them,
punishing even kings who came against them.
15
He said to them, “Don’t you dare lay a hand on my anointed ones,
and don’t do a thing to hurt my prophets!”
16
So God decreed a famine upon Canaan land,
cutting off their food supply.
17
But he had already sent a man ahead of his people to Egypt;
it was Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
18
His feet were bruised by strong shackles
and his soul was held by iron.
19
God’s promise to Joseph purged his character
until it was time for his dreams to come true.
20
Eventually, the king of Egypt sent for him, setting him free at last.
21
Then Joseph was put in charge of everything under the king;
he became the master of the palace
over all of the royal possessions.
22
Pharoah gave him authority over all the princes of the land,
and Joseph became the teacher of wisdom to the king’s advisors.
23
Then Jacob, with all of Joseph’s family,
came from Canaan to Egypt and settled in Goshen.
24
God made them very fruitful, and they multiplied incredibly
until they were greater in number than those who ruled them.
25
God turned their hearts to hate his people
and to deal treacherously with his servants.
26
But he sent them his faithful servant, Moses, the deliverer,
and chose Aaron to accompany him.
27
Their command brought down signs and wonders,
working miracles in Egypt.
28
By God’s direction, they spoke and released a plague
of thick darkness over the land.
29
God turned their rivers to blood, causing every fish to die.
30
And the judgment-plague of frogs came in enormous numbers,
swarming everywhere, even into Pharaoh’s bedroom!
31
God spoke and another plague was released —
massive swarms of flies, vast clouds of insects, covered the land.
32
God rained down hail and flaming fire upon Egypt.
33
Their gardens and vines were all destroyed,
shattering trees into splinters throughout the territory.
34
God spoke, and devouring hordes of locusts swept over the land,
35
picking the ground clean of vegetation and crops.
36
Then God struck down their firstborn sons,
the pride and joy of every Egyptian family.
37
At last, God freed all the Hebrews from their slavery
and sent them away laden with the silver and gold of Egypt.
And not even one was feeble on their way out!
38
Egypt was relieved at their exodus, ready to see them go,
for the terror of the Lord of the Hebrews had fallen upon them!
39
God spread out a cloud as shade as they moved ahead
and a cloud of fire to light up their night.
40
Moses prayed and God brought them quail to eat.
He satisfied them with heaven’s bread falling from the sky.
41
He broke open the boulder
and the waters poured out like a river in the desert.
42
For God could never forget
his holy promise to his servant Abraham.
43
So God brought out his chosen ones with singing;
with a joyful shout they were set free!
44
He gave them lands and nations, just like he promised.
Fruitful lands of crops they had never planted were now theirs.
45
All this was done for them so that they would be faithful
to keep the ways of God, obeying his laws and following his truths.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
1
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Everyone thank God, for he is good and easy to please.
Your tender love for us, Lord, continues on forever.
2
Who could ever fully describe your glorious miracles?
Yahweh, who could ever praise you enough?
3
The happiest one on earth is the one who keeps your word
and clings to righteousness every moment.
4
So remember me, Lord, as you take joy in your people.
And when you come to bring the blessings of salvation,
don’t forget me!
5
Let me share in the wealth and beauty of all your lovers,
rejoice with your nation in all their joys,
and let me share in the glory you give to your chosen ones.
6
We have all sinned so much, just like our fathers.
“Guilty” is written over our lives.
7
Our fathers who were delivered from Egypt
didn’t fully understand your wonders,
and they took you for granted.
Over and over you showed them such tender love and mercy!
Yet they were barely beyond the Red Sea
when they rebelled against you.
8
Nonetheless, you saved them more than once
so they would know how powerful you are,
showing them the honor of your name.
9
You roared over the waters of the Red Sea,
making a dry path for your people to cross through.
10
You freed them from the strong power
of those who oppressed them
and rescued them from bondage.
11
Then the waters rushed over their enemies and drowned them all —
not one survived.
12
Seeing this, the people believed your words,
and they all broke out with songs of praise!
13
Yet how quickly they forgot your miracles of power.
They wouldn’t wait for you to act when they were hungry,
14
but demanded you satisfy their cravings and give them food!
They tested you to the breaking point.
15
So you gave them what they wanted to eat,
but their souls starved away to nothing.
16
They became envious of Moses and Aaron, your holy ones.
17
You split open the earth and it swallowed up
Dathan and Abiram along with their followers.
18
Fire fell from heaven and burnt up all the band of rebels,
turning them to ashes.
19
They made an idol of a calf at Sinai
and bowed to worship their man-made statue.
20
They preferred the image of a grass-eating ox
to the presence of the glory-filled God.
21
by the wonders and awesome miracles you worked in Egypt.
22
23
So you were fed up and decided to destroy them.
But Moses, your chosen leader,
stood in the gap between you and the people
and made intercession on their behalf
to turn away your wrath from killing them all.
24
Yet they still didn’t believe your words
and they despised the land of delight you gave to them.
25
They grumbled and found fault with everything
and closed their hearts to your voice.
26
So you gave up and swore to them
that they would all die in the desert.
27
And you scattered their children to distant lands to die as exiles.
28
Then our fathers joined the worshipers
of the false god named “Lord of the Pit.”
They even ate the sacrifices offered to the dead!
29
All they did made you burn with anger.
It made you so angry that a plague broke out among them!
30
It continued until Phineas intervened and executed
the guilty for causing judgment to fall upon them.
31
Because of this deed of righteousness
Phineas will be remembered forever.
32
Your people also provoked you to wrath
at the stream called Strife.
This is where Moses got into serious trouble!
33
Because the people were rebellious against you,
Moses exploded in anger and spoke to them out of his bitterness.
34
Neither did our fathers destroy the enemies in the land,
as you had commanded them.
35
But they mingled themselves with their enemies
and learned to copy their works of darkness.
36
They began to serve their gods and bow before their idols.
All of this led them away from you
and brought about their downfall.
37
They even sacrificed their little children to the demon spirits,
38
These dark practices greatly defiled the land and their own souls,
through the murder and bloodshed of their own babies!
Their sins made them spiritual adulterers before you.
39
40
This is why you were furious.
As your anger burned hot against them,
you couldn’t even stand to look
at your very own people any longer!
41
So you turned them over to the crushing hands of other nations,
and those who hated them became tyrants over them.
42
Oppressive enemies subdued them,
ruling over them with their tyranny.
43
Many times you would have come to rescue them,
but they continued in their rebellious ways,
choosing to ignore your warnings.
Then they sank lower and lower, destroyed by their depravity.
44
watching to see if they would turn
and cry out to you for a father’s help.
And then, when you heard their cry,
you relented and you remembered your covenant
and you turned your heart toward them again,
according to your abundant, overflowing, and limitless love.
45
46
Then you caused even their oppressors
to pity them and show them compassion.
47
Do it again, Lord! Save us, O Lord, our God!
Gather us from our exile and unite us together
so that we will give our great and joyous thanks to you again
and bring you glory by our praises.
48
Blessed be our Lord God forever and ever.
And let everyone everywhere say, “Hallelujah!”
Amen! Faithful is our King!
1
Let everyone give all their praise and thanks to the Lord!
Here’s why — he’s better than anyone could ever imagine.
Yes, he’s always loving and kind, and his faithful love never ends.
2
Tell the world how he broke through
and delivered you from the power of darkness and
has gathered us together from all over the world.
He has set us free to be his very own!
3
4
Some of us once wandered in the wilderness like desert nomads,
with no true direction or dwelling place.
5
Starving, thirsting, staggering,
we became desperate and filled with despair.
6
Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did!
7
He led us right into a place of safety and abundance,
a suitable city to dwell in.
8
So lift your hands and thank God for his marvelous kindness
and for all his miracles of mercy for those he loves.
9
How he satisfies the souls of thirsty ones
and fills the hungry with all that is good!
10
Some of us once sat in darkness,
living in the dark shadows of death.
We were prisoners to our pain, chained to our regrets.
11
For we rebelled against God’s word
and rejected the wise counsel of God Most High.
12
So he humbled us through our circumstances,
watching us as we stumbled, with no one there to pick us back up.
Our own pain became our punishment.
13
Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did!
14
His light broke through the darkness and
he led us out in freedom from death’s dark shadow
and snapped every one of our chains.
15
So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness
and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves!
16
For he smashed through heavy prison doors and
shattered the steel bars that held us back, just to set us free!
17
Some of us were such fools, bringing on ourselves
sorrow and suffering all because of our sins.
18
Sick and feeble, unable to stand the sight of food,
we drew near to the gates of death.
19
Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did!
20
God spoke the words “Be healed,” and we were healed,
delivered from death’s door!
21
So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness
and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves!
22
Bring your praise as an offering and your thanks as a sacrifice
as you sing your story of miracles with a joyful song.
23
Some of us set sail upon the sea to faraway ports,
transporting our goods from ship to shore.
24
We were witnesses of God’s power out in the ocean deep;
we saw breathtaking wonders upon the high seas.
25
When God spoke he stirred up a storm,
lifting high the waves with hurricane winds.
26
then dropping down to the depths,
reeling like drunkards, spinning like tops,
everyone at their wits’ end until even sailors despaired of life,
cringing in terror.
27
28
Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did!
29
God stilled the storm, calmed the waves,
and he hushed the hurricane winds to only a whisper.
30
We were so relieved, so glad as he guided us
safely to harbor in a quiet haven.
31
So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness
and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves!
32
Let’s exalt him on high and lift up our praises in public;
let all the people and the leaders of the nation know
how great and wonderful is Yahweh, our God!
33
Whenever he chooses he can dry up a river
and turn the land into a desert.
34
Or he can take a fruitful land and make it into a saltwater swamp,
all because of the wickedness of those who dwell there.
35
But he also can turn a barren wilderness into an oasis with water!
He can make springs flow into desert lands
36
and turn them into fertile valleys so that cities spring up,
and he gives it all to those who are hungry.
37
They can plant their fields and vineyards there
and reap a bumper crop and gather a fruitful harvest.
38
God will bless them and cause them to multiply and prosper.
39
But others will become poor,
humbled because of their oppression, tyranny, and sorrows.
40
For God pours contempt upon their arrogant abuse of power,
heaping scorn upon their princes,
and makes them wander among ruins.
41
But he raises up the poor and lowly with his favor,
giving them a safe place to live where no one can touch them.
God will grant them a large family and bless them!
42
The lovers of God will rejoice when they see this.
Good men are glad when the evil ones are silenced.
43
If you are truly wise, you’ll learn from what I’ve told you.
It’s time for you to consider these profound lessons
of God’s great love and mercy!
1
A poetic psalm, by King David
My heart, O God, is quiet and confident, all because of you.
Now I can sing my song with passionate praises!
2
Awake, O my soul, with the music of his splendor.
Arise, my soul, and sing his praises!
I will awaken the dawn with my worship,
greeting the daybreak with my songs of light.
3
Wherever I go I will thank you.
All the nations will hear my praise songs to you.
4
Your love is so extravagant, it reaches higher than the heavens!
Your faithfulness is so astonishing, it stretches to the skies!
5
Lord God, be exalted as you soar throughout the heavens.
May your shining glory be seen high above all the earth!
6
Come to your beloved ones and gently draw us out.
Answer our prayer for your saving help.
Come with your might and strength, for we need you, Lord!
7
and from his sanctuary I heard the Lord promise:
“In my triumph I will be the one to measure out
the portion of my inheritance to my people,
and I will secure the land as I promised you.
Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh;
they are all still mine!” he says.
“Judah will continue to produce kings and lawgivers,
and Ephraim will produce great warriors.
Moab will become my lowly servant.
Edom will likewise serve my purposes.
I will lift up a shout of victory over the land of Philistia!
8
9
10
But who will bring my triumph into Edom’s fortresses?”
11
Lord, have you really rejected us, refusing to fight our battles?
12
Give us a Father’s help when we face our enemies.
For to trust in any man is an empty hope.
13
With God’s help we will prevail with might and power.
And with God’s help we’ll trample down our every foe!
1
To the Pure and Shining One
A poetic song by King David
God of all my praise, don’t stand silently by, aloof to my pain,
2
while the wicked slander me with their lies.
Even right in front of my face they lie through their teeth.
3
I’ve done nothing to them, but they still surround me
with their venomous words of hatred and vitriol.
4
Though I love them, they stand accusing me like Satan
for what I’ve never done.
I will pray until I become prayer itself.
5
They continually repay me with evil when I show them good.
They give me hatred when I show them love.
6
like Satan himself standing right next to him.
And let him be declared guilty by a wicked judge.
May even his prayers be seen as sinful!
7
8
Shorten his life and let another replace him!
9
Make his wife a widow and his children orphans!
10
Let them wander as beggars in the street,
like homeless vagabonds, evicted from their ruins!
11
Let the creditors seize his entire estate,
and strangers, like vultures, take all that’s left!
12
Let no one be kind to him by showing pity to his fatherless children!
13
May all his posterity die with him! Cut down his family tree!
14
remembered before you, forever!
Cut off even the memory of his family from the face of the earth
15
16
because he never once showed love or kindness to others,
but persecuted the poor, the brokenhearted, and afflicted ones,
even putting them to death!
17
Since he enjoyed cursing them,
may all his curses now come raining back on him
until it all overwhelms him with misfortune!
Since he refused to bless others,
God, withhold every single blessing from him!
18
Bitterness, such vile vindictiveness, was upon everything he did.
Cursing was his lifestyle.
19
This will be the Lord’s punishment upon him and
all my lying accusers who speak evil against me.
20
21
But now, O Yahweh-God, make yourself real to me
like you promised me you would.
Because of your constant love and your heart-melting kindness, come be my hero and deliver me!
22
I’m so broken, needy and hurting.
My heart is pierced through and I’m so wounded.
23
I’m slipping down a dark slope, shaken to the core, and helpless.
24
All my fasting has left me so weak I can hardly stand.
Now I’m shriveled up, nothing but skin and bones.
25
I’m the example of failure and shame to all who see me.
They just walk by me, shaking their heads.
26
You have to help me, O Lord God!
My true hero, come to my rescue and save me,
for you are loving and kind.
27
Then everyone will know that you have won my victory,
and they will all say to the Lord, “You have finished it!”
28
So let them curse me if they want,
but I know you will bless me!
All their efforts to destroy me will fail,
but I will succeed and be glad.
29
So let my Satan-like accusers fail!
Make them look ridiculous if they try to come against me.
Clothe them with a robe of guilty shame from this day on!
30
But I will give my thanks to you over and over
and everyone will hear my lavish praises.
31
For you stand right next to the broken ones
as their saving hero to rescue them from all their accusers!
1
King David’s psalm
Yahweh said to my Lord, the Messiah:
“Sit with me as enthroned ruler
while I subdue your every enemy.
They will bow low before you
as I make them a footstool for your feet.”
2
Messiah, I know God himself will establish your kingdom
as you reign in Zion-glory.
For he says to you, “Rule in the midst of your enemies!”
3
Your people will be your love offerings,
like living sacrifices spilled out before you!
In the day of your mighty power you will be exalted,
and in the brightness of your holy ones you will shine
as an army arising from the womb of the dawn,
anointed with the dew of your youth!
4
Yahweh has taken a solemn oath
and will never back away from it, saying,
“You are a priest for eternity, my King of righteousness!”
5
The Lord stands in full authority to shatter to pieces
the kings who stand against you
on the day he displays his terrible wrath.
6
He will judge every rebellious nation,
filling their battlefield with corpses,
and will shatter the strongholds of ruling powers.
7
Yet he himself will drink from his inheritance
as from a flowing brook;
refreshed by love he will stand victorious!
1
Shout hallelujah to Yahweh!
May every one of his lovers hear my passionate praise to him,
even among the council of the holy ones.
2
For God’s mighty miracles astound me!
His wonders are so delightfully mysterious
that they leave all who seek them astonished.
3
Everything he does is full of splendor and beauty!
Each miracle demonstrates his eternal perfection.
4
His unforgettable works of surpassing wonder
reveal his grace and tender mercy.
5
He satisfies all who love and trust him,
and he keeps every promise he makes.
6
He reveals mighty power and marvels to his people
by handing them nations as a gift.
7
All God accomplishes is flawless, faithful, and fair,
and his every word proves trustworthy and true.
8
They are steadfast forever and ever,
formed from truth and righteousness.
9
His forever-love paid a full ransom for his people
so that now we’re free to come before Jehovah
to worship his holy and awesome name!
10
Where can wisdom be found? It is born in the fear of God.
Everyone who follows his ways
will never lack his living-understanding.
And the adoration of God will abide throughout eternity!
1
Shout in celebration of praise to the Lord!
Everyone who loves the Lord and delights in him
will cherish his words and be blessed beyond expectation.
2
Their descendants will be prosperous and influential.
Every generation of his godly lovers will experience his favor.
3
Great blessing and wealth fills the house of the wise,
for their integrity endures forever.
4
Even if darkness overtakes them,
sunrise-brilliance will come bursting through
because they are gracious to others, so tender and true.
5
Life is good for the one who is generous and charitable,
conducting affairs with honesty and truth.
6
Their circumstances will never shake them
and others will never forget their example.
7
They will not live in fear or dread of what may come,
for their hearts are firm, ever secure in their faith.
8
Steady and strong, they will not be afraid,
but will calmly face their every foe
until they all go down in defeat.
9
Never stingy and always generous to those in need,
their lives of influence and honor will never be forgotten,
for they were full of good deeds.
10
But the wicked take one look at a life lived like this
and they grit their teeth in anger, not understanding their bliss.
The wicked slink away speechless in the darkness that falls,
where hope dies and all their dreams fade away to nothing,
nothing at all!
1
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Go ahead, praise the Lord, all you loving servants of God!
Keep it up! Praise him some more!
2
For the glorious name of the Lord is blessed forever and ever.
3
From sunrise brilliance to sunset beauty,
lift up his praise from dawn to dusk!
4
For he rules on high over the nations
with a glory that outshines even the heavens.
5
No one can be compared to God, enthroned on high!
6
He stoops down to look upon the sky and the earth.
7
He promotes the poor, picking them up from the dirt,
and rescues the needy from the garbage dump.
8
He turns paupers into princes and seats them
on their royal thrones of honor.
9
God’s grace provides for the barren ones a joyful home with children
so that even childless couples find a family.
He makes them happy parents surrounded by their pride and joy.
That’s the God we praise, so give it all to him!
1
Many years ago the Jewish people escaped Egypt’s tyranny,
2
so that Israel, God’s people of praise,
would become his holy sanctuary,
his kingdom on the earth.
3
The Red Sea waters saw them coming and ran the other way!
Then later, the Jordan River too
moved aside so that they could all pass through.
4
The land shuddered with fear.
Mountains and hills shook with dread.
5
O sea, what happened to you to make you flee?
O Jordan, what was it that made you turn and run?
6
O mountains, what frightened you so?
And you hills, what made you shiver?
7
Tremble, O earth, for you are in the presence of the Lord,
the God of Jacob.
8
He splits open boulders and brings up bubbling water.
Gushing streams burst forth when he is near!
1
God, glorify your name!
Yes, your name alone be glorified, not ours.
For you are the one who loves us passionately,
and you are faithful and true.
2
Why should the unbelievers mock us, saying,
“Where is this God of yours?”
3
But we know our God rules from the heavens
and he takes delight in all that he does.
4
The unbelievers worship what they make —
their wealth and their work.
5
and what they make with their hands,
but their things can’t talk to them or answer their prayers.
Their possessions will never satisfy.
Their futile faith in dead idols and dead works
can never bring life or meaning to their souls.
Blind men can only create blind things.
Those deaf to God can only make a deaf image.
Dead men can only create dead idols.
And everyone who trusts in these powerless, dead things
will be just like what they worship — powerless and dead.
6
7
8
9
So trust in the Lord, all his people.
For he is the only true hero,
the wrap-around God who is our shield!
10
You, his priests, trust in the Lord.
For he is the only true hero,
God-wrapped-around-us as our shield.
11
Yes, all his lovers who bow before him, trust in the Lord.
For he is our only true hero,
God-wrapped-around-us as our shield.
12
The Lord will never forget us in our need; he will bless us indeed!
He will bless the house of Israel;
he will bless the house of Aaron, his priest.
13
Yes! He will bless his lovers who bow before him,
no matter who they are.
14
Blessings upon blessings will be heaped upon you
and upon your children from the maker of heaven and earth,
the very God who made you!
15
16
The heavens belong to our God; they are his alone,
but he has given us the earth and put us in charge.
17
Those who sink to the silence of the grave
can no longer give glory to God, but we can!
So let’s praise the Lord!
Let’s begin now and let it go on until eternity is done.
Hallelujah, and praise the Lord!
1
I am passionately in love with God because he listens to me.
He hears my prayers and answers them.
2
As long as I live I’ll keep praying to him,
for he stoops down to listen to my heart’s cry.
3
Death once stared me in the face,
and I was close to slipping into its dark shadows.
I was terrified and overcome with sorrow.
4
I cried out to the Lord, “God, come and save me!”
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He was so kind, so gracious to me.
Because of his passion toward me,
he made everything right and he restored me.
6
So I’ve learned from my experience
that God protects the childlike and humble ones.
For I was broken and brought low,
but he answered me and came to my rescue!
7
Now I can say to myself and to all,
“Relax and rest, be confident and serene,
for the Lord rewards fully those who simply trust in him.”
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God has rescued my soul from death’s fear
and dried my eyes of many tears.
He’s kept my feet firmly on his path
9
and strengthened me so that I may please him
and live my life before him in his life-giving light.
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by many liars and my own fears,
and though I’m hurting in my suffering and trauma,
I still stay faithful to God and speak words of faith.
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So now, what can I ever give back to God
to repay him for the blessings he’s poured out on me?
13
I will lift up his cup of salvation and praise him extravagantly
for all that he’s done for me.
14
I will fulfill the promise I made to God
in the presence of his gathered people.
15
When one of God’s holy lovers dies,
it is costly to the Lord, touching his heart.
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Lord, because I am your loving servant,
you have broken open my life and freed me from my chains.
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Now I’ll worship you passionately and bring to you
my sacrifice of praise, drenched with thanksgiving!
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I’ll keep my promise to you, God,
in the presence of your gathered people, just like I said I would.
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I will worship you here in your living presence,
in the temple in Jerusalem.
I will worship and sing hallelujah, for I praise you, Lord!
1
A praise psalm
Let everyone everywhere shine with praise to Yahweh!
Let it all out! Go ahead and praise him!
2
For he has conquered us with his great love
and his kindness has melted our hearts.
His faithfulness lasts forever and he will never fail you.
So go ahead, let it all out!
Praise Yah!
O Yah!
1
A praise psalm
Keep on giving your thanks to God, for he is so good!
His constant, tender love lasts forever!
2
Let all his princely people sing,
“His constant, tender love lasts forever!”
3
Let all his holy priests sing,
“His constant, tender love lasts forever!”
4
Let all his lovers who bow low before him sing,
“His constant, tender love lasts forever!”
5
Out of my deep anguish and pain I prayed,
and God, you helped me as a father.
You came to my rescue and broke open the way
into a beautiful and broad place.
6
Now I know, Lord, that you are for me,
and I will never fear what man can do to me.
7
For you stand beside me as my hero who rescues me.
I’ve seen with my own eyes the defeat of my enemies.
I’ve triumphed over them all!
8
Lord, it is so much better to trust in you to save me
than to put my confidence in someone else.
9
Yes, it is so much better to trust in the Lord to save me
than to put my confidence in celebrities.
10
Once I was hemmed in and surrounded by those
who don’t love you.
But by Yahweh’s supernatural power I overcame them all!
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like a swarm of killer bees swirling around me.
I was trapped like one trapped by a raging fire;
I was surrounded with no way out and at the point of collapse.
But by Yahweh’s supernatural power, I overcame them all!
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They pushed me right up to the edge, and I was ready to fall,
but you helped me to triumph, and together we overcame them all.
14
Lord, you are my true strength and my glory-song,
my champion, my Savior!
15
The joyful songs I now sing will be sung again
in the hearts and homes of all your lovers.
My loud shouts of victory will echo throughout the land.
For Yahweh’s right hand conquers valiantly!
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The right hand of Yahweh exalts!
The right hand of Yahweh will never fail.
17
You will not let them kill me,
but I will live to tell the world what the Lord has done for me.
18
Yes, the Lord punished me as I deserved,
but he’ll never give me over to death.
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Swing wide, you gates of righteousness, and let me pass through,
and I will enter into your presence to worship only you.
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I have found the gateway to God,
the pathway to his presence for all his lovers.
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I will offer all my loving praise to you,
and I thank you so much for answering my prayer
and bringing me salvation!
22
The very stone the masons rejected as flawed
has turned out to be the most important capstone of the arch,
holding up the very house of God.
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The Lord himself is the one who has done this,
and it’s so amazing, so marvelous to see!
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This is the very day of the Lord that brings
gladness and joy, filling our hearts with glee.
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O God, please come and save us again;
bring us your breakthrough-victory!
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Blessed is this one who comes to us, the sent one of the Lord.
And from within the temple we cry, “We bless you!”
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I offer him my life in joyous sacrifice.
Tied tightly to your altar I will bring you praise.
For you are the God of my life and I lift you high,
exalting you to the highest place.
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So let’s keep on giving our thanks to God, for he is so good!
His constant, tender love lasts forever!
1
You’re only truly happy when you walk in total integrity,
walking in the light of God’s word.
2
What joy overwhelms everyone who keeps the ways of God,
those who seek him as their heart’s passion!
3
They’ll never do what’s wrong
but will always choose the paths of the Lord.
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God has prescribed the right way to live:
obeying his laws with all our hearts.
5
How I long for my life to bring you glory
as I follow each and every one of your holy precepts!
6
Then I’ll never be ashamed,
for I take strength from all your commandments.
7
I will give my thanks to you from a heart of love and truth.
And every time I learn more of your righteous judgments,
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I will be faithful to all that your word reveals —
so don’t ever give up on me!
9
How can a young man stay pure?
Only by living in the word of God and walking in its truth.
10
I have longed for you with the passion of my heart;
don’t let me stray from your directions!
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I consider your prophecies to be my greatest treasure,
and I memorize them and write them on my heart
to keep me from committing sin’s treason against you.
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My wonderful God, you are to be praised above all;
teach me the power of your decrees!
13
I speak continually of your laws
as I recite out loud your counsel to me.
14
I find more joy in following what you tell me to do
than in chasing after all the wealth of the world.
15
I set my heart on your precepts
and pay close attention to all your ways.
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My delight is found in all your laws,
and I won’t forget to walk in your words.
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Let me, your servant, walk in abundance of life
that I may always live to obey your truth.
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Open my eyes to see the miracle-wonders hidden in your word.
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My life on earth is so brief, so tutor me in the ways of your wisdom.
20
I am continually consumed by these irresistible longings,
these cravings to obey your every commandment!
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Your displeasure rests with those who are arrogant,
who think they know everything;
you rebuke the rebellious who refuse your laws.
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Don’t let them mock and scorn me for obeying you.
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For even if the princes and my leaders choose to criticize me,
I will continue to serve you and walk in your plans for my life.
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Your commandments are my counselors;
your word is my light and delight!
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Lord, I’m fading away. I’m discouraged and lying in the dust;
revive me by your word, just like you promised you would.
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I’ve poured out my life before you,
and you’ve always been there for me.
So now I ask: teach me more of your holy decrees.
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Open up my understanding to the ways of your wisdom
and I will meditate deeply on your splendor and your wonders.
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My life’s strength melts away with grief and sadness;
come strengthen me and encourage me with your words.
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Keep me far away from what is false;
give me grace to stay true to your laws.
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I’ve chosen to obey your truth
and walk in the splendor-light of all that you teach me.
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Lord, don’t allow me to make a mess of my life,
for I cling to your commands and follow them as closely as I can.
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I will run after you with delight in my heart,
for you will make me obedient to your instructions.
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Give me revelation about the meaning of your ways
so I can enjoy the reward of following them fully.
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Give me an understanding heart so that I can
passionately know and obey your truth.
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Guide me into the paths that please you,
for I take delight in all that you say.
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Cause my heart to bow before your words of wisdom
and not to the wealth of this world.
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Help me turn my eyes away from illusions
so that I pursue only that which is true;
drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths.
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Reassure me of your promises, for I am your beloved,
your servant who bows before you.
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Defend me from the criticism I face
for keeping your beautiful words.
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See how I long with cravings for more of your ways?
Let your righteousness revive my spirit!
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May your tender love overwhelm me, O Lord,
for you are my Savior and you keep your promises.
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I’ll always have an answer for those who mock me
because I trust in your word.
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May I never forget your truth, for I rely upon your precepts.
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I will observe your laws every moment of the day
and will never forget the words you say.
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I will walk with you in complete freedom,
for I seek to follow your every command.
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When I stand before kings, I will tell them the truth
and will never be ashamed.
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My passion and delight is in your word,
for I love what you say to me!
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I long for more revelation of your truth,
for I love the light of your word as I meditate on your decrees.
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Lord, never forget the promises you’ve made to me,
for they are my hope and confidence.
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In all of my affliction I find great comfort in your promises,
for they have kept me alive!
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No matter how bitterly the proud mockers speak against me,
I refuse to budge from your precepts.
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Your revelation-light is eternal;
I’m encouraged every time I think about your truth!
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Whenever I see the wicked breaking your laws, I feel horrible.
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As I journey through life, I put all your statutes to music;
they become the theme of my joyous songs.
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Throughout the night I think of you, dear God;
I treasure your every word to me.
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All this joy is mine as I follow your ways!
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You are my satisfaction, Lord, and all that I need,
so I’m determined to do everything you say.
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With all my heart I seek your favor;
pour out your grace on me as you promised!
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When I realize that I’m going astray,
I turn back to obey your instructions.
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I give my all to follow your revelation-light; I will not delay to obey.
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Even when temptations encircle me with evil,
I won’t forget for a moment to follow your commands.
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In the middle of the night I awake to give thanks to you
because of all your revelation-light; so right and true!
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Anyone who loves you and bows in obedience to your words
will be my friend.
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Give me more revelation of your ways,
for I see your love and tender care everywhere.
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Your extravagant kindness to me
makes me want to follow your words even more!
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Teach me how to make good decisions,
and give me revelation-light, for I believe in your commands.
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Before I was humbled I used to always wander astray,
but now I see the wisdom of your words.
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Everything you do is beautiful, flowing from your goodness;
teach me the power of your wonderful words!
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Proud boasters make up lies about me
because I am passionate to follow all that you say.
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Their hearts are dull and void of feelings,
but I find my true treasure in your truth.
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The punishment you brought me through was the best thing
that could have happened to me, for it taught me your ways.
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The words you speak to me are worth more
than all the riches and wealth in the whole world!
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Your very hands have held me and made me who I am;
give me more revelation-light so I may learn to please you more.
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May all your lovers see how you treat me and be glad,
for your words are entwined within my heart.
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Lord, I know that your judgments are always right.
Even when it’s me you judge, you’re still faithful and true.
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Send your kind mercy-kiss to comfort me, your servant,
just like you promised you would.
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Love me tenderly so I can go on,
for I delight in your life-giving truth.
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Shame upon the proud liars! See how they oppress me,
all because of my passion for your precepts!
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May all your lovers follow me
as I follow the path of your instruction.
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Make me passionate and wholehearted to fulfill your every wish,
so that I’ll never have to be ashamed of myself.
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I’m lovesick with yearnings for more of your salvation,
for my heart is entwined with your word.
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I’m consumed with longings for your promises,
so I ask, “When will they all come true?”
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My soul feels dry and shriveled, useless and forgotten,
but I will never forget your living truth.
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How much longer must I wait until you punish my persecutors?
For I am your loving servant.
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Arrogant men who hate your truth and never obey your laws
have laid a trap for my life.
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They don’t know that everything you say is true,
so they harass me with their lies. Help me, Lord!
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They’ve nearly destroyed my life, but I refuse to yield;
I still live according to your word.
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Revive me with your tender love and
spare my life by your kindness, and I will continue to obey you.
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Standing firm in the heavens and fastened to eternity
is the word of God.
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Your faithfulness flows from one generation to the next;
all that you created sits firmly in place to testify of you.
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By your decree everything stands at attention,
for all that you have made serves you.
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Because your words are my deepest delight,
I didn’t give up when all else was lost.
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I can never forget the profound revelations you’ve taught me,
for they have kept me alive more than once.
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Lord, I’m all yours, and you are my Savior;
I have sought to live my life pleasing to you.
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Even though evil men wait in ambush to kill me,
I will set my heart before you to understand more of your ways.
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I’ve learned that there is nothing perfect
in this imperfect world except your words,
for they bring such fantastic freedom into my life!
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O how I love and treasure the revelation of your word;
throughout the day I fill my heart with its light!
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By considering your commands I have an edge over my enemies,
for I take seriously everything you say.
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You have given me more understanding than those who teach me,
for I’ve absorbed your eye-opening revelation.
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You have graced me with more insight than the old sages
because I have not failed to walk in the light of your ways.
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I refused to bend my morals when temptation was before me
so that I could become obedient to your word.
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I refuse to turn away from difficult truths,
for you yourself have taught me to love your words.
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How sweet are your living promises to me;
sweeter than honey is your revelation-light.
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For your truth is the source of my understanding,
not the falsehoods of those who don’t know you, which I despise.
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Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions;
the revelation of your word makes my pathway clear.
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To live my life by your righteous rules
has been my holy and lifelong commitment.
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I’m bruised and broken, overwhelmed by it all;
breathe life into me again by your living word.
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Lord, receive my grateful thanks
and teach me more of how to please you.
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Even though my life hangs in the balance,
I’ll keep following what you’ve taught me, no matter what.
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The ungodly have done their best to throw me off track,
but I’ll not deviate from what you’ve told me to do.
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Everything you speak to me is like joyous treasure,
filling my life with gladness.
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I have determined in my heart to obey whatever you say,
fully and forever!
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I despise those who can’t keep commitments,
for I passionately love your revelation-light!
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You’re my place of quiet retreat, and your wrap-around presence
becomes my shield as I wrap myself in your word!
115
Go away! Leave me, all you workers of wickedness,
for you can’t stop me from following every command of my God.
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Lord, strengthen my inner being by the promises of your word
so that I may live faithful and unashamed for you.
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Lift me up and I will be safe.
Empower me to live every moment in the light of your ways.
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Lord, you reject those who reject your laws,
for they fool no one but themselves!
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The wicked are thrown away, discarded and valueless.
That’s why I will keep loving all of your laws!
120
My body trembles in holy awe of you, leaving me speechless,
for I’m frightened of your righteous judgments.
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Don’t leave me to the mercies of those who hate me,
for I live to do what is just and fair.
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Let me hear your promise of blessing over my life,
breaking me free from the proud oppressors.
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As a lovesick lover, I yearn for more of your salvation
and for your virtuous promises.
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Let me feel your tender love, for I am yours.
Give me more understanding of your wonderful ways.
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I need more revelation from your word
to know more about you, for I’m in love with you!
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Lord, the time has come for you to break through,
for evil men keep breaking your laws.
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Truly, your message of truth means more to me
than a vault filled with the purest gold.
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Every word you speak, every truth revealed, is always right
and beautiful to me, for I hate what is phony or false.
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Your marvelous words are living miracles;
no wonder I long to obey everything you say.
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Break open your word within me until revelation-light shines out!
Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans.
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I open my mouth and inhale the word of God
because I crave the revelation of your commands.
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Turn your heart to me, Lord, and show me your grace
like you do to every one of your godly lovers.
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Prepare before me a path filled with your promises,
and don’t allow even one sin to have dominion over me.
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Rescue me from the oppression of ungodly men
so that I can keep all your precepts.
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Let your shining face shine brightly on me, your loving servant.
Instruct me on what is right in your eyes.
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When I witness the rebellious breaking your laws,
it makes me weep uncontrollably!
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Lord, your judgments reveal your righteousness,
and your verdicts are always fair.
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The motive behind your every word is pure,
and your teachings are remarkably faithful and true.
139
I’ve been consumed with a furious passion to do what’s right,
all because of the way my enemies disrespect your laws.
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All your promises glow with fire;
that’s why I’m a lover of your word.
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Even though I’m considered insignificant and despised
by the world, I’ll never abandon your ways.
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Your righteousness has no end; it is everlasting,
and your rules are perfectly fair.
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Even though my troubles overwhelm me with anguish,
I still delight and cherish every message you speak to me.
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Give me more revelation so that I can live for you,
for nothing is more pure and eternal than your truth.
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Answer my passionate prayer, O Lord,
and I’ll obey everything you say.
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Save me, God, and I’ll follow your every instruction.
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Before the day dawns, I’ll be crying out for help
and wrapping your words into my life.
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I lie awake every night pondering your promises to me.
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Lord, listen to my heart’s cry, for I know your love is real for me;
breathe life into me again by the revelation of your justice.
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Here they come — these lawless rebels are coming near,
but they are all so far away from your laws.
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God, you are near me always, so close to me;
every one of your commands reveals truth.
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I’ve known all along how true and unchanging
is every word you speak, established forever!
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Look upon all my misery and come be my hero to rescue me,
for I will never forget what you’ve revealed to me.
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Take my side and defend me in these sufferings;
redeem me and revive me, just like you promised you would.
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The wicked are so far from salvation,
for they could not care less about your message of truth.
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Your tender mercies are what I need, O God;
give me back my life again
through the revelation of your judgments.
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I have so many enemies who persecute me,
yet I won’t swerve from following your ways.
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I grieve when I see how the faithless ones live,
for they just walk away from your promises.
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Lord, see how much I truly love your instructions.
So in your tender kindness, breathe life into me again.
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The sum total of all your words adds up to absolute truth,
and every one of your righteous decrees is everlasting.
161
The powerful elite have persecuted me without a cause,
but my heart trembles in awe because of your miracle-words.
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Your promises are the source of my bubbling joy;
the revelation of your word thrills me
like one who has discovered hidden treasure.
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I despise every lie and hate every falsehood,
for I am passionate about keeping your precepts.
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I stop to praise you seven times a day,
all because your ways are perfect!
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There is such a great peace and well-being that comes
to the lovers of your word, and they will never be offended.
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Lord, I’m longing for more of your salvation,
for I want to do what pleases you.
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My love for your ways is indescribable;
in my innermost being I want to follow them perfectly!
168
I will keep your instructions and follow your counsel;
all my ways are an open book before you.
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Lord, listen to my prayer. It’s like a sacrifice I bring to you;
I must have more revelation of your word!
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Take my words to heart when I ask you, Lord;
rescue me, just like you promised!
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I offer you my joyous praise for all that you’ve taught me.
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Your wonderful words will become my song of worship,
for everything you’ve commanded is perfect and true.
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Place your hands of strength and favor upon me,
for I’ve made my choice to follow your ways.
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I wait for your deliverance, O Lord,
for your words thrill me like nothing else!
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Invigorate my life so that I can praise you even more,
and may your truth be my strength!
176
I’ll never forget what you’ve taught me, Lord,
but when I wander off and lose my way,
come after me, for I am your beloved!
1
A song of the stairway
I was desperate for you to help me in my struggles, and you did!
2
So come and deliver me now
from this treachery and false accusation.
3
O lying deceivers, don’t you know what is your fate?
4
You will be pierced through with condemnation
and consumed with burning coals of fire!
5
Why am I doomed to live as an alien,
scattered among these cruel savages?
Am I destined to dwell in the darkened tents of desert nomads?
6
For too long I’ve had to live among those who hate peace.
7
I speak words of peace while they speak words of war,
but they refuse to listen.
1
A song of the stairway
But then I realize that our true help and protection
come only from the Lord,
our Creator who made the heavens and the earth.
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He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall.
God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me.
4
He will never slumber nor sleep;
he is the Guardian-God for his people, Israel.
5
Jehovah himself will watch over you;
he’s always at your side to shelter you safely in his presence.
6
He’s protecting you from all danger both day and night.
7
He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity
as he continually watches over you.
8
You will be guarded by God himself.
You will be safe when you leave your home
and safely you will return.
He will protect you now,
and he’ll protect you forevermore!
1
A song of the stairway, by King David
I was overjoyed when they said,
“Let’s go up to the house of the Lord.”
2
And now at last we stand here, inside the very gates of Jerusalem!
3
O Jerusalem, you were built as a city of praise,
where God and man mingle together.
4
This is where all the people of Israel are required
to come and worship Jehovah-God.
5
This is where the thrones of kings have been established
to rule in righteousness;
even King David ruled from here.
6
Pray and seek for Jerusalem’s peace,
for all who love her will prosper!
7
O Jerusalem, may there be peace for those
who dwell inside your walls
and prosperity in your every palace.
8
I intercede for the sake of my family and friends
who dwell there, that they may all live in peace.
9
For the sake of your house, our God,
I will seek the welfare and prosperity of Jerusalem.
1
A song of the stairway
O God-Enthroned in heaven, I worship and adore you!
2
The way I love you
is like the way a servant wants to please his master,
the way a maid waits for the orders of her mistress.
We look to you, our God, with passionate longing
to please you and discover more of your mercy and grace.
3
this mistreatment by the wealthy elite.
Lord, show us your mercy!
Lord, show us your grace!
1
A song of the stairway, by King David
What if God had not been on our side? Let all Israel admit this!
2
Our enemies, in their violent anger,
would have swallowed us up alive!
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and we would have drowned,
perished beneath their torrent of terror!
5
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We can praise God over and over that he never left us!
God wouldn’t allow the terror of our enemies to defeat us.
7
We are free from the hunter’s trap;
their snare is broken and we have escaped!
8
For the same God who made everything,
our Creator and our mighty maker,
he himself is our helper and defender!
1
A song of the stairway
Those who trust in the Lord are as unshakeable,
as unmovable as mighty Mount Zion!
2
Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord’s wrap-around presence
surrounds his people, protecting them now and forever.
3
The wicked will not always rule over the godly,
provoking them to do what is evil.
4
God, let your goodness be given away to your good people,
to all your godly lovers!
5
But those who turn away from truth,
you will turn them away from you, to follow their crooked ways.
You will give them just what they deserve.
May Israel experience peace and prosperity!
1
A song of the stairway
It was like a dream come true
when you freed us from our bondage and brought us back to Zion!
2
We laughed and laughed and overflowed with gladness.
We were left shouting for joy and singing your praise.
All the nations saw it and joined in, saying,
“The Lord has done great miracles for them!”
3
Yes, he did mighty miracles and we are overjoyed!
4
Now, Lord, do it again! Restore us to our former glory!
May streams of your refreshing flow over us
until our dry hearts are drenched again.
5
Those who sow their tears as seeds
will reap a harvest with joyful shouts of glee.
6
They may weep as they go out carrying their seed to sow,
but they will return with joyful laughter and shouting with gladness
as they bring back armloads of blessing and a harvest overflowing!
1
A song of the stairway, by King Solomon
If God’s grace doesn’t help the builders,
they will labor in vain to build a house.
If God’s mercy doesn’t protect the city,
all the sentries will circle it in vain.
2
It really is senseless to work so hard
from early morning till late at night,
toiling to make a living for fear of not having enough.
God can provide for his lovers even while they sleep!
3
Children are God’s love-gift; they are heaven’s generous reward.
4
Children born to a young couple will one day rise to protect
and provide for their parents.
5
Happy will be the couple who has many of them!
A household full of children will not bring shame on your name
but victory when you face your enemies,
for your offspring will have influence and honor
to prevail on your behalf!
1
A song of the stairway
How joyous are those who love the Lord and bow low before God,
ready to obey him!
2
Your reward will be prosperity, happiness, and well-being.
3
Your wife will bless your heart and home.
Your children will bring you joy as they gather around your table.
4
Yes, this is God’s generous reward for those who love him.
5
May the Lord bless you out of his Zion-glory!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
throughout your lifetime.
6
And may you be surrounded by your grandchildren.
Happiness to you! And happiness to Israel!
1
A song of the stairway
Let all Israel admit it.
From our very beginning we have been persecuted by the nations.
2
And from our very beginning
we have faced never-ending discrimination.
Nevertheless, our enemies have not defeated us. We’re still here!
3
They have hurt us more than can be expressed,
ripping us to shreds, cutting deeply into our souls.
4
But no matter what, the Lord is good to us.
He is a righteous God who stood to defend us,
breaking the chains of the evil ones that bound us.
5
May all who hate the Jews
fall back in disgrace to a shameful defeat!
6
Let them be like grass planted in shallow soil
that soon withers with no sustenance.
7
Let them be like weeds ignored by the reaper
and worthless to the harvester.
8
Let no one who sees them say,
“May the blessings of Jehovah be upon your life.
May the Lord bless you.”
1
A song of the stairway
Lord, I cry out to you out of the depths of my despair!
2
Hear my voice, O God!
Answer this prayer and hear my plea for mercy.
3
Lord, if you measured us and marked us with our sins,
who would ever have their prayers answered?
4
But your forgiving love is what makes you so wonderful.
No wonder you are loved and worshiped!
5
This is why I wait upon you, expecting your breakthrough,
for your word brings me hope.
6
I long for you more than any watchman
would long for the morning light.
I will watch and wait for you, O God,
throughout the night.
7
O Israel, keep hoping, keep trusting,
and keep waiting on the Lord,
for he is tenderhearted, kind, and forgiving.
He has a thousand ways to set you free!
8
He himself will redeem you;
he will ransom you from the cruel slavery of your sins!
1
A song of the stairway, by King David
Lord, my heart is meek before you.
I don’t consider myself better than others.
I’m content to not pursue matters that are over my head —
such as your complex mysteries and wonders —
that I’m not yet ready to understand.
2
I am humbled and quieted in your presence.
Like a contented child who rests on its mother’s lap,
I’m your resting child and my soul is content in you.
3
O people of God, your time has come to quietly trust,
waiting upon the Lord now and forever.
1
A song of the stairway
Lord, please don’t forget all the hardships
David had to pass through.
2
And how he promised you, Jacob’s mighty God, saying,
3
“I will not cross the threshold of my own home
to sleep in my own bed.
4
I will not sleep or slumber,
nor even take time to close my eyes in rest,
5
until I find a place for you to dwell, O mighty God of Jacob.
I devote myself to finding a resting place for you!”
6
First we heard that the ark was at Bethlehem.
Then we found it in the forest of Kiriath-Jearim.
7
Let’s go into God’s dwelling place
and bow down and worship before him.
8
Arise, O Lord, and enter your resting place,
both you and the ark of your glorious strength!
9
May your priests wear the robes of righteousness,
and let all your godly lovers sing for joy!
10
Don’t forsake your anointed king now,
but honor your servant David.
11
For you gave your word and promised David
in an unbreakable oath that one of his sons
would be sitting on the throne to succeed him as king.
12
You also promised that if David’s sons
would be faithful to keep their promise to follow you,
obeying the words you spoke to them,
then David’s dynasty would never end.
13
Lord, you have chosen Zion as your dwelling place,
for your pleasure is fulfilled in making it your home.
14
I hear you say, “I will make this place my eternal dwelling,
for I have loved and desired it as my very own!
15
I will make Zion prosper and
satisfy her poor with my provision.
16
I will cover my priests with salvation’s power,
and all my godly lovers will shout for joy!
17
I will increase the anointing that was upon David,
and my glistening glory will rest upon my chosen ones.
18
But David’s enemies will be covered with shame,
while on them I will make holiness bloom!”
1
A song to bring you higher, by King David
How truly wonderful and delightful
to see brothers and sisters living together in sweet unity!
2
It’s as precious as the sacred scented oil
flowing from the head of the high priest Aaron,
dripping down upon his beard and running all the way down
to the hem of his priestly robes.
3
This heavenly harmony can be compared to the dew
dripping down from the skies upon Mount Hermon,
refreshing the mountain slopes of Israel.
For from this realm of sweet harmony
God will release his eternal blessing, the promise of life forever!
1
A song to bring you higher
All his loving priests who serve and sing,
come and sing your song of blessing to God.
Come and stand before him in the house of God
throughout the night watch,
2
lifting up your hands in holy worship; come and bless the Lord!
3
May the Lord, whom you worship,
the mighty maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion’s glory!
1
A song to bring you higher
Shout hallelujah and praise the greatness of God!
All his godly lovers, praise him!
2
All you worshiping priests on duty in the temple,
3
praise him, for he is beautiful!
Sing loving praises to his lovely name.
4
For Yahweh has chosen Jacob for his own purpose,
and Israel is his special treasure.
5
Next to every other god the greatness of our God is unequaled.
For our God is incomparable!
6
He does what he pleases, with unlimited power and authority,
extending his greatness throughout the entire universe!
7
He forms the misty clouds and creates thunder and lightning,
bringing the wind and rain out of his heavenly storehouse.
8
He struck down the eldest child in each Egyptian home;
both men and beast perished that night.
9
He did great miracles — mighty signs and wonders throughout the land
before Pharaoh and all his subjects.
10
He conquered many nations and killed their mighty kings,
11
like Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan,
and kings from every kingdom in Canaan.
12
He gave their land to Israel as an inheritance for his people.
13
O Jehovah, your name endures forever!
Your fame is known in every generation.
14
For you will vindicate your persecuted people,
showing your tender love to all your servants.
15
The unbelieving nations worship what they make.
They worship their wealth and their work.
They idolize what they own and what they do.
16
Their lifeless and futile works cannot bring life to them!
Their things can’t talk to them or answer their prayers.
Blind men can only create blind things.
Those deaf to God can only make a deaf image.
Dead men can only create dead idols.
And everyone who trusts in these powerless, dead things
will be just like what they worship — powerless and dead!
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Praise Lord-Yahweh, all the families of Israel!
Praise Lord-Yahweh, you family of Aaron!
20
Let all the priests bless Lord-Yahweh!
Let all his lovers who bow low before him
praise the Lord-Yahweh!
21
So bless the Lord-Yahweh who lives in Jerusalem
and dwells in Zion’s glory!
Hallelujah and praise the Lord!
1
Let everyone thank God, for he is good, and he is easy to please!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
2
Give thanks to God, our King over all gods!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
3
Give thanks to the Lord over all lords!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
4
Give thanks to the only miracle working God!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
5
Give thanks to the Creator who made the heavens with wisdom!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
6
To him who formed dry ground, raising it up from the sea!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
7
Praise the one who created every heavenly light!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
8
He set the sun in the sky to rule over day!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
9
Praise him who set in place the moon and stars to rule over the night!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
10
Give thanks to God, who struck down the firstborn in Egypt!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
11
He brought his people out of Egypt with miracles!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
12
With his mighty power he brought them out!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
13
He split open the Red Sea for them!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
14
And led his people right through the middle!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
15
He vanquished Pharaoh’s armies, drowning them all!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
16
He led his people through the wilderness!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
17
He’s the one who smashed mighty kingdoms!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
18
He triumphed over powerful kings who stood in his way!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
19
He conquered Sihon, king of the Amorites!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
20
He conquered the giant named Og, king of Bashan!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
21
Then he gave away their lands as an inheritance!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
22
For he handed it all over to Israel, his beloved!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
23
He’s the God who chose us when we were nothing!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
24
He has rescued us from the power of our enemies!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
25
He provides food for hungry men and animals!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
26
Give thanks to the great God of the heavens!
His tender love for us continues on forever!
1
Along the banks of Babylon’s rivers
we sat as exiles, mourning our captivity,
and wept with great love for Zion.
2
Our music and mirth were no longer heard, only sadness.
We hung up our harps on the willow trees.
3
Our captors tormented us, saying, “Make music for us and
sing one of your happy Zion-songs!”
4
But how could we sing the song of the Lord
in this foreign wilderness?
5
May my hands never make music again
if I ever forget you, O Jerusalem.
6
May I never be able to sing again if I fail to honor Jerusalem supremely!
7
And Lord, may you never forget
what the sons of Edom did to us, saying,
“Let’s raze the city of Jerusalem and burn it to the ground!”
8
Listen, O Babylon, you evil destroyer!
The one who destroys you will be rewarded above all others.
You will be repaid for what you’ve done to us.
9
Great honor will come to those who destroy you and your future,
by smashing your infants against the rubble of your own destruction.
1
By King David
I thank you, Lord, and with all the passion of my heart
I worship you in the presence of angels!
Heaven’s mighty ones will hear my voice
as I sing my loving praise to you.
2
I bow down before your divine presence
and bring you my deepest worship
as I experience your tender love and your living truth.
For the promises of your word and the fame of your name
have been magnified above all else!
3
At the very moment I called out to you, you answered me!
You strengthened me deep within my soul
and breathed fresh courage into me.
4
One day all the kings of the earth
will rise to give you thanks when they hear the living words
that I have heard you speak.
5
They too will sing of your wonderful ways,
for your ineffable glory is great!
6
For though you are lofty and exalted,
you stoop to embrace the lowly.
Yet you keep your distance from those filled with pride.
7
By your mighty power I can walk through any devastation
and you will keep me alive, reviving me.
Your power set me free from the hatred of my enemies.
8
You keep every promise you’ve ever made to me!
Since your love for me is constant and endless,
I ask you, Lord, to finish every good thing that you’ve begun in me!
1
For the Pure and Shining One
King David’s poetic song
Lord, you know everything there is to know about me.
2
You perceive every movement of my heart and soul,
and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.
3
You read my heart like an open book
and you know all the words I’m about to speak
before I even start a sentence!
You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.
4
5
You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way,
and in kindness you follow behind me
to spare me from the harm of my past.
With your hand of love upon my life,
you impart a blessing to me.
6
This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible!
Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
7
Where could I go from your Spirit?
Where could I run and hide from your face?
8
If I go up to heaven, you’re there!
If I go down to the realm of the dead, you’re there too!
9
If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you’re there!
If I fly into the radiant sunset, you’re there waiting!
10
Wherever I go, your hand will guide me;
your strength will empower me.
11
It’s impossible to disappear from you
or to ask the darkness to hide me,
for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.
12
There is no such thing as darkness with you.
The night, to you, is as bright as the day;
there’s no difference between the two.
13
You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside
and my intricate outside,
and wove them all together in my mother’s womb.
14
I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex!
Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking.
It simply amazes me to think about it!
How thoroughly you know me, Lord!
15
You even formed every bone in my body
when you created me in the secret place,
carefully, skillfully shaping me from nothing to something.
16
You saw who you created me to be before I became me!
Before I’d ever seen the light of day,
the number of days you planned for me
were already recorded in your book.
17
How precious and wonderful to consider
that you cherish me constantly in your every thought!
O God, your desires toward me are more
than the grains of sand on every shore!
When I awake each morning, you’re still with me.
18
19
O God, come and slay these bloodthirsty, murderous men!
For I cry out, “Depart from me, you wicked ones!”
20
See how they blaspheme your sacred name
and lift up themselves against you, but all in vain!
21
Lord, can’t you see how I despise those who despise you?
For I grieve when I see them rise up against you.
22
I have nothing but complete hatred and disgust for them.
Your enemies shall be my enemies!
23
God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart.
Examine me through and through;
find out everything that may be hidden within me.
Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares.
24
See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on,
and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting ways —
the path that brings me back to you.
1
For the Pure and Shining One
King David’s poetic song
Lord, protect me from this evil one!
Rescue me from these violent schemes!
2
He concocts his secret strategy to divide and harm others,
stirring up trouble one against another.
3
They are known for their sharp rhetoric
of poisonous, hateful words.
— Pause in his presence
4
Keep me safe, Lord, out of reach from these wicked and violent men,
and guard me, God, for they have plotted an evil scheme
to ruin me and bring me down.
5
They are proud and insolent; they’ve set an ambush for me in secret.
They are determined to snare me in their net like captured prey.
— Pause in his presence
6
My Hero-God, you wrap yourself around me to protect me.
For I’m surrounded by your presence in my day of battle.
Lord Yahweh, hear my cry.
May my voice move your heart to show me mercy.
7
8
Don’t let the wicked triumph over me,
but bring down their every strategy to subdue me
or they will become even more arrogant!
— Pause in his presence
9
Those who surround me are nothing but proud troublemakers.
May they drink the poison of their own poisonous words.
10
Let evil itself hunt them down and pursue them relentlessly
until they are thrown into fiery pits
from which they will never get out!
Let burning coals of hellfire fall upon their heads!
11
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For I know, Lord, that you will be the hero
of all those they persecute,
and you will secure justice for the poor.
13
Your godly lovers will thank you no matter what happens.
For they choose and cherish your presence
above everything else!
1
King David’s poetic song
Please, Lord, come close and come quickly to help me!
Listen to my prayer as I call out to you.
2
Let my prayer be as the evening sacrifice
that burns like fragrant incense, rising as my offering to you
as I lift up my hands in surrendered worship!
3
God, give me grace to guard my lips
from speaking what is wrong.
4
Guide me away from temptation and doing evil.
Save me from sinful habits and from keeping company
with those who are experts in evil.
Help me not to share in their sin in any way!
5
When one of your godly lovers corrects me
or one of your faithful ones rebukes me,
I will accept it like an honor I cannot refuse.
It will be as healing medicine that I swallow
without an offended heart.
Even if they are mistaken, I will continue to pray.
6
When the leaders and judges are condemned,
falling upon the rocks of justice,
then they’ll know my words to them were true!
7
Like an earthquake splits open the earth,
so the world of hell will open its mouth
to swallow their scattered bones.
8
But you are my Lord and my God; I only have eyes for you!
I hide myself in you, so don’t leave me defenseless.
9
Protect me! Keep me from the traps of wickedness they set for me.
10
Let them all stumble into their own traps
while I escape without a scratch!
1
King David’s poetic song of instruction
A prayer when he was confined in a cave
God, I’m crying out to you!
I lift up my voice boldly to beg for your mercy.
2
I spill out my heart to you and tell you all my troubles.
3
For when I was desperate, overwhelmed, and about to give up,
you were the only one there to help.
You gave me a way of escape
from the hidden traps of my enemies.
4
I look to my left and right to see if there is anyone who will help,
but there’s no one who takes notice of me.
I have no hope of escape, and no one cares whether I live or die.
5
So I cried out to you, Lord, my only hiding place.
You’re all I have, my only hope in this life,
my last chance for help.
6
Please listen to my heart’s cry,
for I am low and in desperate need of you!
Rescue me from all those who persecute me,
for I am no match for them.
7
Bring me out of this dungeon so I can declare your praise!
And all your godly lovers will celebrate
all the wonderful things you’ve done for me!
1
King David’s poetic song when he was chased by Absalom
Lord, you must hear my prayer,
for you are faithful to your promises.
Answer my cry, O righteous God!
2
Don’t bring me into your courtroom for judgment,
for there is no one who is righteous before you.
3
My enemies have chased and caught me
and crushed my life into dust.
Now I’m living in the darkness of death’s shadow.
4
My inner being is in depression
and my heart is heavy, dazed with despair.
5
I remember the glorious miracles of days gone by,
and I often think of all the wonders of old.
6
Now I’m reaching out to you, thirsting for you
like the dry, cracked ground thirsts for rain.
— Pause in his presence
7
Lord, come quickly and answer me,
for my depression deepens and I’m about to give up.
Don’t leave me now or I’ll die!
8
Let the dawning day bring me revelation
of your tender, unfailing love.
Give me light for my path and teach me, for I trust in you.
9
Save me from all my enemies, for I hide myself in you.
10
I just want to obey all you ask of me.
So teach me, Lord, for you are my God.
Your gracious Spirit is all I need, so lead me on good paths
that are pleasing to you, my one and only God!
11
Lord, if you rescue me, it will bring you more glory,
for you are true to your promises.
Bring me out of these troubles!
12
Since I am your loving servant, destroy all those
who are trying to harm me.
And because you are so loving and kind to me,
silence all of my enemies!
1
King David’s poetic song as he stood before Goliath
There is only one strong, safe, and secure place for me;
it’s in God alone and I love him!
He’s the one who gives me strength and skill for the battle.
2
He’s my shelter of love and my fortress of faith,
who wraps himself around me as a secure shield.
I hide myself in this one who subdues enemies before me.
3
Lord, what is it about us that you would even notice us?
Why do you even bother with us?
4
For man is nothing but a faint whisper, a mere breath.
We spend our days like nothing more than a passing shadow.
5
Step down from heaven, Lord, and come down!
Make the mountains melt at your touch.
6
Loose your fiery lightning flashes and scatter your enemies.
Overthrow them with your terrifying judgments.
7
Reach down from your heavens
and rescue me from this hell,
and deliver me from these dark powers.
8
They speak nothing but lies; their words are pure deceit.
Nothing they say can ever be trusted.
9
My God, I will sing you a brand-new song!
The harp inside my heart will make music to you!
10
I will sing of you, the one who gives victory to kings —
the one who rescues David, your loving servant,
from the fatal sword.
11
Deliver me and save me from these dark powers
who speak nothing but lies.
Their words are pure deceit
and you can’t trust anything they say.
12
Deliver us! Then our homes will be happy.
Our sons will grow up as strong, sturdy men
and our daughters with graceful beauty,
royally fashioned as for a palace.
13
overflowing with the fruits of our harvest.
Our fields will be full of sheep and cattle,
too many to count,
and our livestock will not miscarry their young.
Our enemies will not invade our land,
and there’ll be no breach in our walls.
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What bliss we experience when these blessings fall!
The people who love and serve our God will be happy indeed!
1
King David’s poetic song of praise
My heart explodes with praise to you!
Now and forever my heart bows in worship to you,
my King and my God!
2
Every day I will lift up my praise to your name
with praises that will last throughout eternity.
3
Lord, you are great and worthy of the highest praise!
For there is no end to the discovery
of the greatness that surrounds you.
4
Generation after generation will declare more of your greatness
and declare more of your glory.
5
Your magnificent splendor and the miracles of your majesty
are my constant meditation.
6
Your awe-inspiring acts of power have everyone talking!
I’m telling people everywhere about your excellent greatness!
7
Our hearts bubble over as we celebrate the fame
of your marvelous beauty, bringing bliss to our hearts.
We shout with ecstatic joy over your breakthrough for us.
8
You’re kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it
and very patient with people who fail you.
Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness.
9
God, everyone sees your goodness,
for your tender love is blended into everything you do.
10
Everything you have made will praise you, fulfilling its purpose.
And all your godly lovers will be found bowing before you.
11
They will tell the world of the lavish splendor of your kingdom
and preach about your limitless power.
12
They will demonstrate for all to see your miracles of might
and reveal the glorious majesty of your kingdom.
13
You are the Lord who reigns over your never-ending kingdom through all the ages of time and eternity!
You are faithful to fulfill every promise you’ve made.
You manifest yourself as kindness in all you do.
14
Weak and feeble ones you will sustain.
Those bent over with burdens of shame you will lift up.
15
You have captured our attention
and the eyes of all look to you.
You give what they hunger for at just the right time.
16
When you open your generous hand, it’s full of blessings,
satisfying the longings of every living thing.
17
You are fair and righteous in everything you do,
and your love is wrapped into all your works.
18
You draw near to those who call out to you,
listening closely, especially when their hearts are true.
19
Every one of your godly lovers receives
even more than what they ask for.
For you hear what their hearts really long for
and you bring them your saving strength.
20
God, you watch carefully over all your lovers like a bodyguard,
but you will destroy the ungodly.
21
I will praise you, Lord!
Let everyone everywhere join me in praising
the beautiful Lord of holiness from now through eternity!
1
A poetic psalm, by Haggai and Zechariah
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
My innermost being will praise you, Lord!
2
I will spend my life praising you and
singing high praises to you, my God, every day of my life!
3
no matter who they are, they can’t save us,
for even our great leaders fail and fall.
They too are just mortals who will one day die.
At death the spirits of all depart and their bodies return to dust.
In the day of their death all their projects and plans are over.
4
5
But those who hope in the Lord will be happy and pleased!
Our help comes from the God of Jacob!
6
You keep all your promises.
You are the Creator of heaven’s glory,
earth’s grandeur, and ocean’s greatness.
7
The oppressed get justice with you.
The hungry are satisfied with you.
Prisoners find their freedom with you.
8
You open the eyes of the blind
and you fully restore those bent over with shame.
You love those who love and honor you.
9
You watch over strangers and immigrants
and support the fatherless and widows.
But you subvert the plans of the ungodly.
10
Lord, you will reign forever!
Zion’s God will rule throughout time and eternity!
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
1
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
How beautiful it is when we sing our praises to the beautiful God,
for praise makes you lovely before him
and brings him great delight!
2
The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers up the outcasts and brings them home.
3
He heals the wounds of every shattered heart.
4
He sets his stars in place, calling them all by their names.
5
How great is our God!
There’s absolutely nothing his power cannot accomplish,
and he has infinite understanding of everything.
6
God supports and strengthens the humble,
but the ungodly will be brought down to the dust.
7
Sing out with songs of thanksgiving to the Lord!
Let’s sing our praises with melodies overflowing!
8
He fills the sky with clouds, sending showers to water the earth
so that the grass springs up on the mountain fields
and the earth produces food for man.
9
All the birds and beasts who cry with hunger to him
are fed from his hands.
10
His people don’t find security in strong horses,
for horsepower is nothing to him.
Man power is even less impressive!
11
The Lord shows favor to those who fear him,
to his godly lovers who wait for his tender embrace.
12
Jerusalem, praise the Lord! Zion, worship your God!
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For he has strengthened the authority of your gates.
He even blesses you with more children.
14
He’s the one who brings peace to your borders,
feeding you the most excellent of fare.
15
He sends out his orders throughout the world;
his words run as swift messengers, bringing them to pass.
16
He blankets the earth with glistening snow,
painting the landscape with frost.
17
Sleet and hail fall from the sky,
causing waters to freeze before winter’s icy blast.
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Then he speaks his word and it all melts away;
as the warm spring winds blow, the streams begin to flow.
19
In the same way, he speaks his word to Jacob,
and to Israel he brings his life-giving instruction.
20
He has dealt with Israel differently than with any other people,
for they have received his laws.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
1
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Let the skies be filled with praise
and the highest heavens with the shouts of glory!
2
Go ahead — praise him, all you his messengers!
Praise him some more, all you heavenly hosts!
3
Keep it up, sun and moon!
Don’t stop now, all you twinkling stars of light!
4
Take it up even higher — up to the highest heavens,
until the cosmic chorus thunders his praise!
5
Let the entire universe erupt with praise to God.
From nothing to something he spoke and created it all.
6
He established the cosmos to last forever,
and he stands behind his commands
so his orders will never be revoked.
7
Let the earth join in with this parade of praise!
You mighty creatures of the ocean’s depths,
echo in exaltation!
8
Lightning, hail, snow, and clouds,
and the stormy winds that fulfill his word.
9
Bring your melody, O mountains and hills;
trees of the forest and field, harmonize your praise!
10
kings, queens, princes, and princesses,
young men and maidens, children and babes,
old and young alike, everyone everywhere!
11
12
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Let them all join in with this orchestra of praise.
For the name of the Lord is the only name we raise!
His stunning splendor ascends higher than the heavens.
14
He anoints his people with strength and authority,
showing his great favor to all his godly lovers,
even to his princely people, Israel,
who are so close to his heart.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
1
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
It’s time to sing to God a brand-new song
so that all his holy people will hear how wonderful he is!
2
May Israel be enthused with joy because of him,
and may the sons of Zion pour out
their joyful praises to their King.
3
Break forth with dancing!
Make music and sing God’s praises with the rhythm of drums!
4
For he enjoys his faithful lovers.
He adorns the humble with his beauty
and he loves to give them the victory.
5
His godly lovers triumph in the glory of God,
and their joyful praises will rise even while others sleep.
6
God’s high and holy praises fill their mouths,
for their shouted praises are their weapons of war!
7
These warring weapons will bring vengeance
on every opposing force and every resistant power —
8
to bind kings with chains and rulers with iron shackles.
9
Praise-filled warriors will enforce
the judgment-doom decreed against their enemies.
This is the glorious honor he gives to all his godly lovers.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
1
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Praise God in his holy sanctuary!
Praise him in his stronghold in the sky!
2
Praise him for his miracles of might!
Praise him for his magnificent greatness!
3
Praise him with the trumpets blasting!
Praise him with piano and guitar!
4
Praise him with the loud, resounding clash of cymbals!
Praise him with every instrument you can find!
5
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Let everyone everywhere join in the crescendo
of ecstatic praise to Yahweh!
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!