(A Shepherding Psalm: caring for the sheep.)

Unto green pastures and meadows he leads—
Safely through danger, beneath shady trees.
Shoring up brooks so the waters run smooth,
That his sheep safely drink from a calm, gentle pool.

They do not worry, but rest in his care—
Knowing the Good Shepherd is always there.
He keeps the enemy at distant bay.
And keeps his sheep out of harm's way.

Although in error, one might stray,
He tenderly rescues it right away.
All those in his care, he safely keeps.
He is the Good Shepherd that cares for his sheep.

(A Song of Trust. A doxological hymn.)


All-wise and loving
Heavenly Father,
I completely rest
In you.

(Cry of Grievance: life's overwhelming problems.)

Except for God's mercy,
My troubles would have long
Destroyed me.

Multiplied like the stars,
They are as deceitful as
The ways of a brook.
An innocent prey, stalked game;
I am the target of their poignant aim.

Like water, my troubles flow;
They are as unwelcome as a foe.

But God shall plague them.
He shall bind them with a strong cord
And crush them 'neath his mighty foot.
And they shall cease.

Lord, by your sovereign power,
Rebuke them into oblivion
That they all cease.

**NOTE: This psalm does not refer to any person. Herein, I am simply speaking of the daily grind in my life, which seemed to have been multiplied one-hundred fold.

(A Psalm for Meditation: godly devotion and commitment.)

Lord, I live to worship you,
And breathe to sing your praise.

Daily, my soul arises in your presence
With eager longing and expectation.

Oh life-giving One, draw me
With your wondrous love
And sweet words of comfort.

Don't be far from me,
But take my feeble hand
As I reach out to you.
Come closer as I draw nearer to you,
Oh my God, that I may forever
Know your abiding presence.

(A Psalm of Trust: patiently trusting despite adversity.)

My deliverance is in
The Lord's hands.
I wait for him in prayer
With meditation and praise.
The Lord will strengthen me
In trials.
He will not allow the enemy
To defeat me.
My God has placed a hedge
Of protection on every side.
Morning, noon and night,
He watches and no evil
Shall befall.

(A Psalm of Grievance: the cry for relief.)

My trials are many and heavy,
Seemingly never to end.

Will the tempest toss
And breakers rage forevermore,
As one by one the waves come
Crashing o'er the shore?

The tide-swell is ominous,
The howling winds blow.
And lurking beneath the surface
Is a subtle undertow.

But God’s voice, all-powerful,
Creates a calm in me
As his Spirit 'pon the waters
Stills the raging sea.

(A Psalm of Exhortation to godly fear.)

Bow the knee to the holy One.
Worship with standing ovation:
Rivers, grass, sun and stars.
And man the crown of creation.

Let the kingdoms fear the Lord,
And all the people make haste.
He is head of the universe;
His eyes are in every place.

The sovereign King ‘pon his throne
Shall judge the world and the nations.
One clasp of his powerful hands
Would terrify creation.

Sing, O winds. Sing praises to him;
Bow you mountains and trees.
Let every beast do obeisance to God,
And all men fall to their knees

(A Psalm for Meditation: remembering God.)

If I were to forget my name,
Let me remember God:
The One who created the
Heavens and earth, and all things.

The God who formed man of dust.
And miraculously causes life
To secretly grow in the
Confines of the womb.

Even in trials—
Let me remember his blessings,
Faithfulness and generosity.
Let me recall his tender mercies.

And if I forget all there is to know—
Let me remember the God who has brought me.

(A Psalm of Worship.)

I humbly enter his presence
To bow before his throne.
Let all be silent as my prayers,
Like the fragrance of
A sweet perfume,
Ascend unto heaven, into the
Throne-room of his glory.

O Lord, accept my prayers
And praise, which, continually,
Are a sacrifice unto you.

(A Song of Deliverance (September 8,1987) ,
*One of four pioneering psalms.)

I sought God in the night
When trouble stirred my soul.
And, oh, what a delight
To find comfort in his word.

He whispered to my ears
Sweet and glorious things,
And brought me from despair
On mighty-eagle wings.

He put a song in my heart
And dancing in my feet.
My night was turned to day
And my bitterness to sweet.

The Lord God of hosts—
Jehovah is his name.
Sovereign is his power,
Only he can do such things.