Psalm 10

Psalm 10

Why is it that You seem to disappear, vanish,
  when things are at their worst?
Evil people are all around, preying on the good.
  Their entire lives are anti-God, wicked.
They seek everything BUT God,
  Everything that would never satisfy or save.
They set themselves up as sturdy and safe,
  Building their houses on lies and hate.
Nothing phases these crouching predators,
  who tear and rip and destroy.
And they are getting away with it!
  Yet their victory is short-lived.
The REAL lion is stirring, the TRUE protector.
  Your searchlight will expose the wicked.
The God of Power will protect the powerless
  And give hope.

Psalm 9

For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David.

Psalm 9

I am overwhelmed by who You are, by what You’ve done.
  Thankfulness spills out in gladness and in song.
You have freed me from death and fear.
  You’ve turned the tables in my favour.
Your salvation, Your rule, lasts eternally.
  Your justice is universal and never-ending.
Those who suffer injustice find rest in You,
  And have no more cause for fear.
Join me, sufferers! We will sing His praises!
  Join me in shouting the goodness of YHWH!
God, You see my plight. You WILL save me!
  And when You do so, my song will echo in the hills.
I know You will save, because You are the Saving-God.
  You are ruling now – show us all how just
Your rule is and will be.

Psalm 8

For the director of music. According to gittith. A psalm of David.

Psalm 8

YHWH, Your fame is spread across the world;
  Not simply tribal, You have branched out.
The sky, the sea, the stars, mountains,
  Lakes, forests, deserts…You’re EVERYWHERE!
It doesn’t take a genius to see it—
  Even our kids crown You with praise.
Standing before all of your masterpieces
  I feel small, insignificant, puny.
Yet Your crowning glory is stamped on me!
  You gave us all of this to care for.
We are your stand-in caretakers,
  Seeking to bless what is already blessed.
You, YHWH, are everywhere.

Psalm 7

A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

Psalm 7

I know I haven’t done anything wrong, at least not what they say I’ve done.
  It doesn’t seem to matter to them, though.
You know who I am, and what I’ve done. If it’s true,
  If they’re right, then do with me what You will.
They’re WRONG! You’re the judge. Judge between us, and then pronounce!
  Be my saviour, be my rescuer.
You are the God who protects, the God who saves.
  We are going to know You, they and I. We will see,
We will see how Your judgements stands.
  I trust that I will see the salvation of my God.

Psalm 6

“For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.”

Psalm 6

I’m terrified God. I’m terrified!
  What will do me in first?
Will you destroy me, or will my enemies?
  Don’t just stand by; DO SOMETHING!
Wake up and save me…SAVE ME!
  I’m dying here, and when I’m gone, what good will I be?
I can’t handle the pain anymore. I’m spent.
  There’s no hope anywhere in sight.
Wait…is that a glimmer? YES! My God is awake!
  Watch out, wicked men. My God is awake!
He is awake.

Psalm 5

“For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.”

Psalm 5

All day long my voice sounds, wailing, crying!
  Listen to me, my God. I know You do.
It is impossible to come before You with a wicked heart;
  Your holiness won’t allow it!
Thankfully, You’ve made me clean enough to stand before You;
  It amazes me, the way You lead me.
You know the truth about me, You alone.
  Others claim to know me, but their grave-mouths breathe death.
In You, we are safe. In You, the truth will protect us.
  You make us pure, and You keep us.
Be our comfort.

Psalm 4

“For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.”

Psalm 4

I know You can hear me, but You seem quiet;
My cries are only getting louder with hope.
When I can’t stand anything anymore
I still believe you’ll hear me, and speak.
I know you’ve chosen me, you called me;
Am I the only one who knows it?
If only everyone else could hear Your call
like I have, they would rejoice!
They could taste Your goodness, and know
You are the one who provides and reigns and rules.
These thoughts, in You, are my comfort.

Psalm 3

“A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom.”

Psalm 2

We fear or hate what we misunderstand;
  You are feared and hated like me.
But I know You better – You show me better
  when You reveal Yourself in rescue.
My cries are heard, my prayers answered.
  The rhythm of my days belongs to You.
I see trouble approaching from all sides,
  but my fear is overcome – You are here!
You will deliver, You will save
  because I belong, heart and soul,
to You.

Psalm 2

“God’s Promise to His Anointed”

Psalm 2

Why does the world mistake freedom for slavery
  and slavery for freedom?
Why do we forget that God is in charge?
  God the One who made us who we are,
   and what!
How long will we refues to see?
  How long will we wait?
Acknowledge your King and Maker.
  May it go well with you.
We rule with His favour, we rise
  and fall. Let us serve.

Psalm 1

By way of introduction, I am posting a Psalm every few days, and after the Psalm, a short poem reiterating the Psalm as a way of applying it to myself. I hope you find it useful!

Psalm 1

My joy is in the voice of my God;
  No other sound will bless me.
I have stopped up the words of death
  to hear Your words only.
I will cling to Your voice, my God;
  I will bathe in Your words.
They refresh me like water;
  They cause me to grow and flower.
Speak Your blessing words of judgment;
  Be Just in Your speech, that
We Might Live.