I’m dabbling in lyric writing. I’m hoping to publish a personal Psalter someday. I began with Psalm 140, but have spent most of my time so far with Psalm 143. This discipline is about learning new skills in appreciating meter and tone. The thoughts in the Psalms are obviously not original with me, and I make no claim equal to the Holy Scriptures. This is not an exercise to foolishly assume I could improve upon the Spirit-inspired ancient authors. This is a practice of personal meditation.
Psalm 143 is of personal interest. When I read from my travel bible, I read with a keen awareness of my smallness before my God. This travel bible has been on the four continents I’ve traveled. It has been used while preaching in local churches. It has been in my hands in nations closed to the gospel. It has been a restful pillow for my weary body and soul. It has absorbed my tears, heard my laughter, and witnessed my journey.
I submit the first of these meditations mainly for my posterity. May they one day stumble upon my musings and take comfort in looking upon the Ancient of Days.
A Sun-Baked Land That Longs for Rain
[Verse 1]
Hear now my prayer, O Lord, my plea,
According to Your faithfulness.
Do not bring judgment to Your servant,
No living soul is righteous here.
The foe has crushed my very soul;
He’s driven life down to the ground;
In darkness I am forced to dwell,
Like those whom death has long unbound.
[Pre-Chorus]
My spirit is now overwhelmed,
My heart within is sorely vexed.
[chorus]
I call to mind the ancient days,
On all Your deeds I meditate;
I muse upon Your wondrous ways.
My hands I stretch, I will not cease;
My soul for You like desert cries,
A sun-baked land that longs for rain.
[verse 2]
O Lord, now answer me at once,
For lo, my very spirit fails;
Do not Your countenance conceal,
Lest I descend into the grave.
Let morning bring Your steadfast love,
For I have placed my trust in You;
Show me the path where I should walk,
My soul I wholly lift to You.
[Pre-Chorus]
O Lord, deliver me from foes,
In You alone I take my rest.
[chorus]
I call to mind the ancient days,
On all Your deeds I meditate;
I muse upon Your wondrous ways.
My hands I stretch, I will not cease;
My soul for You like desert cries,
A sun-baked land that longs for rain.
[Verse 3]
Teach me, O Lord, to do Your will,
Because You are my God and King;
Let Your own Spirit guide my path,
And lead me on a level plain.
For Your great Name’s sake, O revive;
In justice bring me out of pain;
In love, destroy my hateful foes,
Cut off all those who cause me woe.
[Pre-Chorus]
For I am faithful to Your cause,
Your humble servant I will be.
[chorus]
I call to mind the ancient days,
On all Your deeds I meditate;
I muse upon Your wondrous ways.
My hands I stretch, I will not cease;
My soul for You like desert cries,
A sun-baked land that longs for rain.
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