How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
Found this on a blog
3/25/11
Psalm 71
1 In you, O LORD, I refuge take;
Ashamed let me not be;
2 O save me in your righteousness,
Give ear, and rescue me.
3 O be my rock, my dwelling place,
my constant safe resort.
You my salvation have ordained;
You are my rock and fort.
4 Free me, my God, from wicked hands,
Hands cruel and unjust;
5 You, Lord Jehovah, are my hope;
From youth you are my trust.
6 For I have been sustained by you
through birth and early days;
Brought from my mother's womb by you,
I'll give you constant praise.
7 To many I a wonder am;
You are my refuge strong.
8 My mouth is brimming with your praise
and honor all day long.
9 Do not reject me in the time
when old age I shall see;
And in my days of failing strength
do not abandon me.
10 For those who are my enemies
against me evil speak;
Those who are watching for my life
united counsel seek.
11 They say, "God has forsaken him!"
Pursue him! None will save!"
12 O God, do not be far from me;
My God, your help I crave.
13 Let adversaries of my soul
disgraced and wasted be,
All covered with reproach and shame
who seek to injure me.
14 But I with lasting confidence
will hope through all my days,
And I will add still more and more
O God, to all your praise.
15 All day my mouth your righteousness
and your salvation show,
For proofs of them are far beyond
the numbers which I know.
16 For I will go forth in the strength
of you, Jehovah Lord;
Your righteousness, and yours alone,
abroad I will record.
17 O God, I have been taught by you
ev'n from my days of youth;
And all the wonders you have done
I still declare as truth.
18 So now, when I am old and gray,
O God, forsake me not,
Until your strength and power
I have each generation taught.
19 Your perfect righteousness, O God,
The heights of heav'n exceeds;
O who is like to you, who has
performed such mighty deeds?
20 You who before have made me see
Much evil and distress
Will me revive and bring me up
from depths which me depress.
21 Increase my greatness, turn again,
And comfort to me bring.
22 Then with a harp I'll give You thanks;
my God, your truth I'll sing.
O Holy One of Israel, with harp
your psalms I'll bring;
23 My lips will shout; my ransomed soul
in psalms to you will sing.
24 My tongue will also celebrate
your justice all day long;
For they are humbled and ashamed
who seek to do me wrong.
Psalm (adapted from The Book of Psalms for Singing) Sheet Music: Contemplation C. M.
Ashamed let me not be;
2 O save me in your righteousness,
Give ear, and rescue me.
3 O be my rock, my dwelling place,
my constant safe resort.
You my salvation have ordained;
You are my rock and fort.
4 Free me, my God, from wicked hands,
Hands cruel and unjust;
5 You, Lord Jehovah, are my hope;
From youth you are my trust.
6 For I have been sustained by you
through birth and early days;
Brought from my mother's womb by you,
I'll give you constant praise.
7 To many I a wonder am;
You are my refuge strong.
8 My mouth is brimming with your praise
and honor all day long.
9 Do not reject me in the time
when old age I shall see;
And in my days of failing strength
do not abandon me.
10 For those who are my enemies
against me evil speak;
Those who are watching for my life
united counsel seek.
11 They say, "God has forsaken him!"
Pursue him! None will save!"
12 O God, do not be far from me;
My God, your help I crave.
13 Let adversaries of my soul
disgraced and wasted be,
All covered with reproach and shame
who seek to injure me.
14 But I with lasting confidence
will hope through all my days,
And I will add still more and more
O God, to all your praise.
15 All day my mouth your righteousness
and your salvation show,
For proofs of them are far beyond
the numbers which I know.
16 For I will go forth in the strength
of you, Jehovah Lord;
Your righteousness, and yours alone,
abroad I will record.
17 O God, I have been taught by you
ev'n from my days of youth;
And all the wonders you have done
I still declare as truth.
18 So now, when I am old and gray,
O God, forsake me not,
Until your strength and power
I have each generation taught.
19 Your perfect righteousness, O God,
The heights of heav'n exceeds;
O who is like to you, who has
performed such mighty deeds?
20 You who before have made me see
Much evil and distress
Will me revive and bring me up
from depths which me depress.
21 Increase my greatness, turn again,
And comfort to me bring.
22 Then with a harp I'll give You thanks;
my God, your truth I'll sing.
O Holy One of Israel, with harp
your psalms I'll bring;
23 My lips will shout; my ransomed soul
in psalms to you will sing.
24 My tongue will also celebrate
your justice all day long;
For they are humbled and ashamed
who seek to do me wrong.
Psalm (adapted from The Book of Psalms for Singing) Sheet Music: Contemplation C. M.
3/24/11
Psalm 70
| * | 1 O God, deliver me. LORD, speed your help to me; 2 and let all those who seek my soul ashamed and humbled be. |
| Turned back be they, disgraced, that in my hurt delight; 3 appalled by their own shame be they who say, "A-ha", in spite. | |
| 4 Let all who seek you joy and glad in you abide. Let those who your salvation love say, "God be magnified." | |
| 5 In need am I and poor; O God, make haste I pray; my Help and my Deliverer, O LORD, do not delay. *for the director of music. Of David. To bring to remembrance. |
3/22/11
Psalm 69
Ps.69
To the choir director. according to Soshannim. A psalm of David.
1 Save me, God! For waters rise up to my neck.
Yes, let those who seek you, O Is-ra-el's God,
not be shamed, defeated, because of my sake,
7 because for your sake I have borne this reproach;
for your sake my face is now covered with shame.
8 I have to my brothers a stranger become,
a foreigner I to my own mother's sons.
9 It's zeal for your house that has eaten me up:
the insults intended for you fall on me.
10 I wept and I fasted, but they scoffed at me;
11 I put on rough sackcloth, they made me a joke;
12 they in public places speak evil of me;
and drunkards sing songs that revile my name.
13 Yet I pray to you, LORD, for you're well disposed;
O God, in your love send your sure help to me.
14 Lift me from the mud so that I do not sink;
O save from my foes, from the watery depths.
15 O let not the floodwaters sweep me away,
the deep me engulf, and the pit close o'er me.
16 But answer me, LORD, in your covenant love,
and in your great mercy come now to my aid.
17 O hide not your face from your servant in need;
18 give answer with speed; and come near to redeem.
19 Free me from my foes for you know my reproach,
my shame and dishonour; you see all my foes.
20 Reproaches my heart break; I am in despair;
for pity and comfort I hope, but find none.
21 They offer to me bitter gall as my food,
and vinegar give me to quench my great thirst.
22 The place where they eat meals - may it be a snare;
the place where they feel safe - may it be a trap;
23 and may their eyes dim so that they cannot see;
may their backs be trembling so that they collapse.
24 On them pour your wrath, yes, your anger most hot.
25 Their dwellings break down and leave none in their tents.
26 For they persecute those chastised by your hand;
they jest at the pain of those wounded by you.
27 Add to all their evil the evil it brings;
let them have no share in your pardoning grace.
28 Let them be deleted from your book of life;
inscribe not their names with the names of the just.
29 Afflicted, in pain, God, your help keeps me safe.
30 I'll sing to God's name and exalt him with praise.
31 This will please the LORD more than best fattened beasts,
than oxen and bulls each with horns and with hooves.
32 The humble will see this, with gladness rejoice;
and those who seek God find their hearts are revived.
33 The LORD hears the poor and his captives spurns not;
34 so creatures of heaven and earth praise his name.
Let seas and sea creatures his praises raise too;
35 for God will save Zion, restore Judah's towns.
36 His servants, their children, will dwell there secure;
yes, all those who love him will dwell with him there.
To the choir director. according to Soshannim. A psalm of David.
1 Save me, God! For waters rise up to my neck.
2 I'm sinking in mud, and no foothold can find;
the deep flooding waters sweep over my soul;
3 I'm weary from crying; my throat is inflamed.
My eyesight is failing as I wait for God.
4 My foes are so many and hate without cause;
those wanting me dead are all treacherous foes,
so they make me pay back what I did not take.
5 O God you know well that I'm not free of sin;
my guilty misdeeds are not hidden from you;
6 but let those who trust you, O Lord GOD of hosts,
not be disappointed because of my sake.
Yes, let those who seek you, O Is-ra-el's God,
not be shamed, defeated, because of my sake,
7 because for your sake I have borne this reproach;
for your sake my face is now covered with shame.
8 I have to my brothers a stranger become,
a foreigner I to my own mother's sons.
9 It's zeal for your house that has eaten me up:
the insults intended for you fall on me.
10 I wept and I fasted, but they scoffed at me;
11 I put on rough sackcloth, they made me a joke;
12 they in public places speak evil of me;
and drunkards sing songs that revile my name.
13 Yet I pray to you, LORD, for you're well disposed;
O God, in your love send your sure help to me.
14 Lift me from the mud so that I do not sink;
O save from my foes, from the watery depths.
15 O let not the floodwaters sweep me away,
the deep me engulf, and the pit close o'er me.
16 But answer me, LORD, in your covenant love,
and in your great mercy come now to my aid.
17 O hide not your face from your servant in need;
18 give answer with speed; and come near to redeem.
19 Free me from my foes for you know my reproach,
my shame and dishonour; you see all my foes.
20 Reproaches my heart break; I am in despair;
for pity and comfort I hope, but find none.
21 They offer to me bitter gall as my food,
and vinegar give me to quench my great thirst.
22 The place where they eat meals - may it be a snare;
the place where they feel safe - may it be a trap;
23 and may their eyes dim so that they cannot see;
may their backs be trembling so that they collapse.
24 On them pour your wrath, yes, your anger most hot.
25 Their dwellings break down and leave none in their tents.
26 For they persecute those chastised by your hand;
they jest at the pain of those wounded by you.
27 Add to all their evil the evil it brings;
let them have no share in your pardoning grace.
28 Let them be deleted from your book of life;
inscribe not their names with the names of the just.
29 Afflicted, in pain, God, your help keeps me safe.
30 I'll sing to God's name and exalt him with praise.
31 This will please the LORD more than best fattened beasts,
than oxen and bulls each with horns and with hooves.
32 The humble will see this, with gladness rejoice;
and those who seek God find their hearts are revived.
33 The LORD hears the poor and his captives spurns not;
34 so creatures of heaven and earth praise his name.
Let seas and sea creatures his praises raise too;
35 for God will save Zion, restore Judah's towns.
36 His servants, their children, will dwell there secure;
yes, all those who love him will dwell with him there.
3/21/11
Psalm 68
Ps. 68
1 God shall arise, his foes be put to
flight;
those hating him shall flee before
his face.
2 As smoke is blown you'll drive them
right away;
even as wax before the fire melts,
so perish wicked ones before our
God.
3 But the just joy, in God's sight they
exult;
yes, they rejoice, rejoice
exceedingly.
4 O sing to God, sing praises to his
name;
for him who rides in deserts make a
road;
he is the LORD; before his face
rejoice!
5 Father of fatherless, the widow's help
is God who dwells within the holy
place.
6 God brings the lonely into families,
leads forth the pris'ners into
happiness;
only the rebels stay in desert
parts.
7 O God, when you went forth before
your folk,
when through the wilderness you
marched along,
8 the earth shook and the heavens
poured down rain,
before the Strong God, God of
Si-na-i!
Before the Strong God, God of
Is-ra-el!
9 O God, you give abundant rain to
us;
so you refresh your weary
heritage.
10 Your children settle in the land you
gave,
and in your bounty, O Almighty
One,
you, for your poor and needy ones
provide.
11 The sovereign Lord commanded
victory;
the women crowd about to bring the
news:
12 The kings and armies are in headlong
flight;
13 housewives and shepherds in the plunder share:
trophies of silver and of finest
gold.”
14 When the Almighty scattered all
these kings,
it seemed as if snow covered the
Black Mount;
15 the God-like mount, the jagged
Bashan range -
16 why gaze in envy at God's home in
Zion?
Surely, the LORD will there
forever dwell.
17 God's chariots are thousands
multiplied;
The Lord's here, Si-nai's in the
holy place.
18 You've gone on high, led captives in
your train;
as gifts you took men, even rebels
proud,
so that the LORD God may among
them dwell.
19 O bles-sed be the sovereign Lord of
all,
who day by day our heavy burden
bears;
the Mighty God is our salvation
sure.
20 God is for us a God of saving deeds;
to GOD the Lord belongs escape
from death.
21 Yes, God will shatter his foes' head, the skull
22 of those who practice sin; for the Lord says:
"I'll bring them back from Bashan or seas deep,
23 so that you may your feet wash in their blood,
and that your dogs may have their portion too."
24 Your triumph march, O God, comes into view,
my God and King's march to the holy place:
25 In front go singers, minstrels come behind,
maidens surround and beat their tambourines.
26 "O in the great assemblies praise our God!"
"Yes, praise the LORD; he's Isr'el's fountainhead."
27 There's little Benjamin - a ruler strong;
and there's the throng of Judah's princes great,
there also are the great of Zebulun,
there, too the princes of Naphtali's tribe.
28 Your God, O Isr'el, has ordained your strength;
so, God, us strengthen as you've done before.
29 Let kings to you present rich offerings
because your dwelling at Jerusalem
above the city stands in majesty.
30 Rebuke that Beast of Reeds, the herd of bulls
with bullocks of the nations at its heels;
brought low may it bring silver tribute bars.
O scatter nations who delight in war.
31 Egypt sends envoys! Cush submits to God!
32 Sing praise to God you kingdoms of the earth;
yes, sing true praises to the sovereign Lord,
33 to him who rides upon the ancient heav'ns;
lo, hear him speak with mighty thunderings.
34 Proclaim the power of the Mighty God.
His majesty is over Is-ra-el;
his mighty pow'r is in the skies above.
35 O God, you're awesome in your holy place;
the God of Isr'el gives great strength and might
to his own people; therefore praise God's name.
21 Yes, God will shatter his foes' head, the skull
22 of those who practice sin; for the Lord says:
"I'll bring them back from Bashan or seas deep,
23 so that you may your feet wash in their blood,
and that your dogs may have their portion too."
24 Your triumph march, O God, comes into view,
my God and King's march to the holy place:
25 In front go singers, minstrels come behind,
maidens surround and beat their tambourines.
26 "O in the great assemblies praise our God!"
"Yes, praise the LORD; he's Isr'el's fountainhead."
27 There's little Benjamin - a ruler strong;
and there's the throng of Judah's princes great,
there also are the great of Zebulun,
there, too the princes of Naphtali's tribe.
28 Your God, O Isr'el, has ordained your strength;
so, God, us strengthen as you've done before.
29 Let kings to you present rich offerings
because your dwelling at Jerusalem
above the city stands in majesty.
30 Rebuke that Beast of Reeds, the herd of bulls
with bullocks of the nations at its heels;
brought low may it bring silver tribute bars.
O scatter nations who delight in war.
31 Egypt sends envoys! Cush submits to God!
32 Sing praise to God you kingdoms of the earth;
yes, sing true praises to the sovereign Lord,
33 to him who rides upon the ancient heav'ns;
lo, hear him speak with mighty thunderings.
34 Proclaim the power of the Mighty God.
His majesty is over Is-ra-el;
his mighty pow'r is in the skies above.
35 O God, you're awesome in your holy place;
the God of Isr'el gives great strength and might
to his own people; therefore praise God's name.
3/20/11
Psalm 67
Ps.67
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.
tune: Meirionydd 7.6.7.6.D
1 O God, to us show mercy
and bless us in your grace;
O cause to shine upon us
the brightness of your face;
2 So that your way most holy
on earth may soon be known,
and unto ev'ry people
your saving grace be shown.
3 O God, let peoples praise you,
let all the people sing;
4 Let nations now be joyful;
let songs of gladness ring;
for you will judge the peoples
in truth and righteousness,
and through the earth the nations
shall your just rule confess.
5 O God, let peoples praise you,
let all the people sing;
6 for earth in rich abundance
to us her fruit shall bring.
God our own God will bless us,
our God will blessing send,
and all the earth shall fear him
to its remotest end.
3/19/11
Psalm 66
Ps.66
To the choirmaster. A song. A Psalm.
Tune: Miles Lane, C.M. [E flat]or All Saints New CMD "The Son of God goes forth to war a kingly crown gain".
1 All lands to God in joyful sounds
Aloft your voices raise;
2 Sing forth the honor of His name,
And glorious make His praise.
| |||||||
3 Say unto God, How terrible,
In all Thy works art Thou!
Through Thy great power Thy foes to Thee
Shall be constrained to bow.
| |||||||
4 Yes, all the earth shall worship Thee,
And unto Thee shall sing;
And to Thy name most glorious
Their songs of praise shall bring.
| |||||||
5 O come, behold the works of God,
His mighty doings see;
In dealing with the sons of men
Most terrible is He.
| |||||||
6 He turned the sea into dry land,
So they a pathway had;
They through the river went on foot,
There we in Him were glad.
| |||||||
7 He ruleth ever by His might;
His eyes the nations try;
Let not the proud rebellious ones
Exalt themselves on high.
| |||||||
8 O all ye people, bless our God;
Aloud proclaim His praise,
9 Who holdeth safe our soul in life
Our feet from sliding stays.
|
3/18/11
Psalm 65
Ps.65
For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song.
1 In Zion we with
reverence praise,
O God, we'll pay
our vows.
2 You've listened
to our pleading cries;
so each one
comes to you.
3 We're overwhelmed
by many sins,
but you've
atoned for them.
4 Blest is the one
you choose and bring
to live within
your courts.
We surely shall
be satisfied
with your
abundant grace,
within your holy
temple's courts,
within your
dwelling place.
5 To us in awesome
deeds of truth
you answer,
Savior God,
in whom all
earth and distant seas
must put their
confidence.
6 You form the
mountains by your strength,
for you are
armed with might.
7 The oceans' roar,
the nations' noise,
alike you cause
to cease.
8 Those living at
the ends of earth
are awed by your
great signs;
where morning
dawns and ev'ning fades
you call forth
shouts of joy.
9 You care for
earth and water it,
you make it rich
to grow;
God's river is
with water full;
you plan to give
them grain.
10 You drench
earth's furrows gen'rously,
with rain its
ridges smooth;
you with your
showers soften it,
its growth you
greatly bless.
11 You with your
bounty crown the year,
the harvest
carts o'erflow.
12 The open
grasslands prosper well,
the hills are
girt with joy.
Tune: Matthew C.M.D.
Tune: Matthew C.M.D.
3/17/11
Psalm 64
For the director of music, A psalm of David
1 O God, hear me in my complaint;
guard me from threats of foes.
2 Hide me from schemes of wicked ones,
from gangs of evil men.
3 They sharpen like a sword their tongues,
aim arrows of sharp words;
4 concealed, they shoot the innocent,
shoot fast, and have no fear.
5 They organize an evil plot,
how best to hide their snares;
they say in boastful confidence:
"Who can at all see them?"
6 They plot injustice and they say:
"We've made a perfect plan!"
Surely too deep it is to know -
the heart and mind of man.
7 But God an arrow shoots at them!
they'll be struck suddenly.
8 He'll turn against them their own tongue,
bring them to utter ruin.
All seeing them will shake the head;
9 and then all men will fear.
They will declare this is God's work:
his work they'll understand.
10 The righteous in the LORD will joy,
and refuge take in him;
and all who are upright in heart
will make their boast in him.
1 O God, hear me in my complaint;
guard me from threats of foes.
2 Hide me from schemes of wicked ones,
from gangs of evil men.
3 They sharpen like a sword their tongues,
aim arrows of sharp words;
4 concealed, they shoot the innocent,
shoot fast, and have no fear.
5 They organize an evil plot,
how best to hide their snares;
they say in boastful confidence:
"Who can at all see them?"
6 They plot injustice and they say:
"We've made a perfect plan!"
Surely too deep it is to know -
the heart and mind of man.
7 But God an arrow shoots at them!
they'll be struck suddenly.
8 He'll turn against them their own tongue,
bring them to utter ruin.
All seeing them will shake the head;
9 and then all men will fear.
They will declare this is God's work:
his work they'll understand.
10 The righteous in the LORD will joy,
and refuge take in him;
and all who are upright in heart
will make their boast in him.
3/16/11
Psalm 63 a great version
Te Deum, 687.687.10.10.87. [D]
| 1. | 1 O God, You are my God, And early will I seek for You; My soul is athirst for You. My flesh cries out for You From out a dry and thirsty land, A land where no water is. 2 For thus to behold You in splendid strength I gazed after You in the holy place. 3 Since Your grace is much more than life, My lips will give praise to You. |
| 2. | 4 I'll bless You while I live, And I will ever lift my hands To praise and confess Your name. 5 My soul will be made full As with all choice and hearty meats; I'll praise You with joyful lips. 6 I think of You thus as I lie in bed And bring You to mind in the hours of night. 7 Since You ever have been my help, Your wings are my shield and joy. |
| 3. | 8 My soul clings fast to You; Your right hand holds me safely up. 9 When men would destroy my life, To depths of earth they go; 10 They are delivered to the sword, To jackals become a prey. 11 The king will rejoice and be glad in God, And they boast aloud who have sworn in Him, But the mouth will be made to stop Of those who declare a lie. |
3/15/11
Psalm 62
1 My soul in silence waits for God;
he's my salvation proved.
2 He is my stronghold and my rock;
I'll not be greatly moved.
3 How long will you a man assail
and seek to make him fall
as though he were a tott'ring fence
or like a leaning wall?
4 They plot to bring his glory down;
in lies they take delight;
and while they bless him with their mouth,
they curse with inward spite.
5 My soul, in silence wait for God,
For he my hope has proved.
6 He's my salvation, stronghold, rock,
and I shall not be moved.
7 In God alone my glory is
and my salvation sure;
my rock of strength is found in God,
my refuge most secure.
8 On him, O people, ever more
rely with confidence;
pour out your heart before his face,
for God is our defense.
9 The sons of man are vanity,
the best of men a lie;
together in the balance they
are lighter than a sigh.
10 Then in oppression do not hope;
nor yet for plunder lust;
though power and force may seem to thrive,
in this build not your trust.
11 For truly God has spoken once;
he twice to me made known;
that strength and power belong to God
and unto him alone;
12 for so it is that sovereign grace
belongs to you, my Lord;
for you according to his work
do every man reward
Tune: St Flavian CM ("In Sweet Communion, Lord")
or Marlow CM ("Am I a Soldier of the Cross")
3/14/11
Psalm 61
| 1. | 1 My voice and prayer, O God, attend; 2 from ends of earth to you I send my supplicating cry, when troubles overwhelm my breast; then lead me on the rock to rest that higher is than I. |
| 2. | 3 In you my soul has shelter found, and you have been from foes around the tower to which I flew, 4 within your house I will abide, and underneath your wings will hide, forever safe in you. |
| 3. | 5 For you, O God, my vows have heard, on me the heritage conferred of him your name that fears. 6 Long life you to the king will give; through generations he shall live, from age to age his years. |
| 4. | 7 Before his God he shall abide; O do your truth and grace provide to keep him in the way. 8 So I your name will ever sing, a song of praise will daily bring, that I my vows may pay. |
3/13/11
Psalm 60 Paraphrase 1912
Ps.60
O God, Thou hast rejected us,
And hast afflicted sore;
Thou hast been angry, but in grace
O once again restore.
Lo, Thou hast torn and rent our land,
Thy judgments dread appall;
O heal her shattered strength before
She totter to her fall.
Through ways of trial and distress
Thy people Thou hast led,
A bitter cup Thou givest us
Of misery and dread.
A glorious banner Thou hast given
To those who fear Thy Name,
A banner to display abroad,
And thus the truth proclaim.
That Thy beloved may be saved
And from their foes set free,
Help with the might of Thy right hand,
In mercy answer me.
God in His holiness hath said:
I will triumphant be,
All heathen lands I claim as Mine
And they shall bow to Me.
Now, therefore, who will lead us on
Sin's strongholds to possess?
No longer cast us off, O God,
But give our hosts success.
Give Thou Thy help against the foe
For help of man is vain;
Through God we shall do valiantly,
The victory He shall gain.
Tune: any CM
3/12/11
Psalm 59
For the director of music. Destroy not. Of David. A miktam.
When Saul sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him.
1 My God, O save me from my foes;
put me beyond their reach.
2 Deliver me from evil ones,
these men who thirst for blood.
3 See! strong ones lie in wait for me,
combined against my life;
but not for any sin, O LORD,
nor wrong that I have done.
4 Though I am guiltless, still they run
and move in for the kill.
Arouse yourself to help, and look!
5 LORD God of Hosts awake!
Yes, wake to punish nations all,
O God of Israel;
no mercy show to any who
deceitfully rebel.
6 At night they come; they howl like dogs,
and round the city prowl.
7 O see their threats: their lips are swords,
for "Who will hear?" they say.
8 But you, O LORD, will laugh at them;
at nations all you'll mock!
9 O you, my Strength, I'll wait on you:
God is my fortress rock.
10 According to his cov'nant love
my God will come to me;
God will permit me on my foes
to look triumphantly.
11 But, lest my people should forget,
slay not my foes at once;
them scatter first, then cast them down,
O sovereign Lord, our Shield.
12 The words they speak are always sin--
that which comes from their mouth.
So take them in their pride, for lies
and curses they repeat.
13 Destroy in wrath, destroy, that they
may be no more at all.
Then men will know throughout the earth
that God in Jacob rules.
14 At night they come; they howl like dogs,
and round the city prowl.
15 They wander to and fro for food,
and, hungry, stay all night.
16 But, as for me, I'll sing aloud
of your most mighty strength;
yes, in the morning I will sing
of your sure cov'nant love.
For you have been my fortress strong,
my refuge in distress.
17 My Strength, I'll praise you; O my God,
my fortress, God of love.
When Saul sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him.
1 My God, O save me from my foes;
put me beyond their reach.
2 Deliver me from evil ones,
these men who thirst for blood.
3 See! strong ones lie in wait for me,
combined against my life;
but not for any sin, O LORD,
nor wrong that I have done.
4 Though I am guiltless, still they run
and move in for the kill.
Arouse yourself to help, and look!
5 LORD God of Hosts awake!
Yes, wake to punish nations all,
O God of Israel;
no mercy show to any who
deceitfully rebel.
6 At night they come; they howl like dogs,
and round the city prowl.
7 O see their threats: their lips are swords,
for "Who will hear?" they say.
8 But you, O LORD, will laugh at them;
at nations all you'll mock!
9 O you, my Strength, I'll wait on you:
God is my fortress rock.
10 According to his cov'nant love
my God will come to me;
God will permit me on my foes
to look triumphantly.
11 But, lest my people should forget,
slay not my foes at once;
them scatter first, then cast them down,
O sovereign Lord, our Shield.
12 The words they speak are always sin--
that which comes from their mouth.
So take them in their pride, for lies
and curses they repeat.
13 Destroy in wrath, destroy, that they
may be no more at all.
Then men will know throughout the earth
that God in Jacob rules.
14 At night they come; they howl like dogs,
and round the city prowl.
15 They wander to and fro for food,
and, hungry, stay all night.
16 But, as for me, I'll sing aloud
of your most mighty strength;
yes, in the morning I will sing
of your sure cov'nant love.
For you have been my fortress strong,
my refuge in distress.
17 My Strength, I'll praise you; O my God,
my fortress, God of love.
3/11/11
Psalm 58
For the director of music. Destroy not. A miktam of David
| 1 You may be gods, but can you claim That you speak righteousness? And do you judge the sons of men In truth and uprightness? 2 No, even in your very heart You wickedness produce; On earth you weigh out with your hands Your violent abuse. | |
| 3 The wicked from their day of birth Are strangers to the way; They from the womb come speakng lies; They wander far astray. 4 They have the venom of a snake; They have an adder's ear Which they have closed 5 to charmers' songs; Skilled charmers they'll not hear. | |
| 6 O God, inside their opened mouths Break off their cruel teeth; The fangs of these young lions, LORD, Tear out by roots beneath. 7 Let them like runoff waters be That leave the ground soon dry. Let arrows that he aims become Like headless shafts that fly. | |
| 8 Let them be like the snails that melt Along the course they run; Or like one prematurely born Who never sees the sun. 9 They are like blazing thorns which you Beneath your kettles lay, Whose heat is scarcely felt before A wind sweeps them away. | |
| 10 The just rejoices when he sees That vengeance is complete, For in the blood of wicked men He then will wash his feet. 11 They'll say, "There surely is reward For righteous ones of worth; There surely is a living God Who judges in the earth." |
3/09/11
Psalm 57
For the director of music. Destroy not. Of David. A miktam.
When he had fled from Saul into the cave.
1 Show grace to me, O God, show grace,
for in you I've my hiding place;
so I will hide in your wing's shade
until these troubles pass away.
2 I'll cry to God Most High, to God
who brings to pass his plans for me.
3 He'll send his love and truth from heav'n,
save me from those in hot pursuit.
4 I'm in the midst of lions strong;
I lie down with man-eating beasts,
with spears and arrows for their teeth;
these men have tongues like sharpened
swords.
5 O be exalted high, O God,
above the starry heavens vast;
and let your glory be advanced
Above the whole of earth's wide bounds.
6 They spread a net to catch my feet;
my life had nearly gone from me.
They dug a pit where I would walk,
but into it they fell themselves!
7 My heart is sure, my heart is sure;
to you, O God, I'll sing and play.
8 Wake up, my tongue; wake harp and lyre!
The dawn I'll waken by my praise!
9 I'll thank you LORD, in Gentiles' midst;
among the peoples sing your praise:
10 for your love fills the heavens high,
And your truth reaches to the sky.
11 O be exalted high, O God,
above the starry heavens vast;
and let your glory be advanced
above the whole of earth's wide bounds.
Psalm 56
Ps.56
1. Be gracious unto me, O God;
the man of earth would me devour.
He fights against me all day long,
oppressing me with all his power.
2. My foes are watching day and night;
they many fight from places high.
3. The day I fear I'll trust in You.4. The word of God I'll magnify.
In God I trust; I will not fear,
for what can mere flesh do to me?
5. All day they twist my words; their thoughts
are all of schemes to injure me.
6. They meet, they lurk, they mark my steps;
they're waiting for my soul to fall.
7. For their iniquity, O God,
in wrath bring down the nations all.
8. You count my wanderings; my tears
you keep in precious mem-o-ry.
9. My foes shall, when I call, turn back;
long I have known God is for me.
10.In God, whose word I'll always praise,
the LORD, whose word my praise shall be.
11.In God I trust; I will not fear,
for what can mere man do to me?
12.I'll pay my vows with thanks to you;
from death, O God, you set me free,
13.kept me from falling, that with God
my walk in light of life may be.
Tune: Winchester New LM
"O Splendor of God's Glory"
Comments on Psalm 55
"David's experience of a false friend is extremely moving, and reminds us of the poignant experience of Christ.
Fear (v v1-8), fury (v v9-15) and faith (v v16-23) may be said to characterize the psalm.
'Fear only leads to desire for flight.
Fury only emphasizes the consciousness of wrong.
Faith alone creates courage'" (G.Campbell Morgan)
Fear (v v1-8), fury (v v9-15) and faith (v v16-23) may be said to characterize the psalm.
'Fear only leads to desire for flight.
Fury only emphasizes the consciousness of wrong.
Faith alone creates courage'" (G.Campbell Morgan)
from The Complete Book of Psalms for Singing by Roland Ward.
3/08/11
Psalm 55
Tune: Vox delecti -- I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Come unto me and rest
1 Give ear to this my prayer,O God,and hide not from my cry.2 Give answer, for I cannot restbut must complain and sigh,3 because I hear the voice of foes,because the wicked press;for they in anger bear a grudgeand on me bring distress.4 Deep anguish is within my heart;death's terrors o'er me roll.5 Great trembling, fearfulness, and dreadhave overwhelmed my soul.6 I cried, "O that I, like a dove,had wings to fly away.Then would I flee and try to finda restful place to stay.7 "Lo, I would wander far and lodgein some lone desert waste;8 from stormy wind and tempest highI would escape in haste."9 O swallow up their tongues, O Lord;confuse them and divide;for in the city I've seen strifeand violence abide.10 For day and night upon her wallsthe city they surround,while mischief and iniquityinside of her is found.11 A realm of vast destruction thriveswithin her very heart,and from her streets oppression, fraud,and graft do not depart.12 It was no foe reproaching me,for that I could endure;it was no hater rising up,or I could hide secure;13 But it was you, a man, a friend,my colleague all along;14 we shared sweet fellowship and walkedto God's house in the throng.15 Let death o'ertake them; to the pitalive let them depart;for wickedness is in their houseand lives within their heart.16 I'll call on God; the LORD will save;17 I will complain and sighat ev'ning, morning, and at noon,and he will hear my cry.18 He will redeem my soul in lovethat I in peace may befrom all the war against me waged,for many strive with me.19 Yes, God will hear and answer them;he sits enthroned of old;for them there is no change of heart;No fear of God they hold.20 He raised his hands against the oneswho were at peace with him.The covenant which he had swornhe broke at his own whim.21 Though smooth as butter was his speech,within his heart was war;though soft as oil the words he spoke,a naked sword they bore.22 O cast your burden on the LORD,and he shall you sustain;yes, he makes sure that still unmovedthe righteous shall remain.23 But you, O God, will bring them downthe pit of woe to view.false killers live not half their days.but I will trust in you.
3/07/11
Psalm 54
Tune: "Come Thou Fount of every blessing"Ebenezer 87.87.D
Of David when the Ziphites went and said to Saul, "Is David not hiding with us?"
Of David when the Ziphites went and said to Saul, "Is David not hiding with us?"
1 By your name, O God, now save me; Grant me justice by your strength. 2 To these words of mine give answer; O my God, now hear my prayer. 3 Strangers have come up against me, Even men of violence. And they seek my life's destruction; God is not within their thoughts. 4 See how God has been my helper, How my Lord sustains my soul; 5 To my foes he pays back evil-- In your truth destroy them all! 6 I will sacrifice with gladness; LORD I'll bless your name. Its good. 7 He has saved me from all trouble; I see my defeated foes. |
3/06/11
Psalm 53
PSALM 53
Tune: LEAF 86.866
1 The fool has spoken in his heart,
"There sure-ly is no God."
Unjust, abhorrent works they do,
in-tend-ing to cause harm.
Not one of them does good.
2 God gaz-es down from heav-en high
up-on the hu-man race,
to see what their be-hav-ior is.
Does an-y under-stand?
Does an-y seek God's face?
3 Each from the right way turned a-side
to have his own way done.
To-geth-er they be-came cor-rupt,
not one of them does good,
no, not a sin-gle one.
4 But these who work such wick-ed-ness,
do they not know at all?
Do they just eat my peo-ple up
the way they eat their bread?
On God they do not call.
5 Where once they had no cause to fear,
there they are terrorized.
God strewed the bones of these your foes.
And you have caused them shame,
since God has them despised.
6 From Zion who will come to save,
and help to Isr'el bring?
God brings His captive people back!
Then Jacob will rejoice,
and Isr'el shout and sing!
3/05/11
Psalm 52
For the director of music. A maskil of David when Doeg the Edomite had gone to Saul and told him: "David has gone to the house of Ahimelech."
against godly ones you plot all the day.*
2 Your tongue is destructive -- a razor-sharp blade.
3 And you prefer evil and lies to the truth.
4 O tongue of deceit, you love harmful words,
5 so God will for ever tear you right down;
he'll scatter you, plucking you out of your tent;
you'll out of the land of the living be sent. [selah]
6 The righteous will see, they'll be filled with awe;
7 they'll laugh at him, say, "Here now is the one
who made not his stronghold in God, but instead,
in riches confiding, sought strength from his schemes."
8 A green olive tree in God's house I'm set;
I trust in God's love which never will fail.
9 For ever I'll praise you for what you have done;
I'll hope in your kindness with all of your saints.
*Line 1b could read: God's covenant love endures all the day.
Psalm 51
Ps.51
A psalm of David when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had consorted with Bathsheba
1 O God your cov'nant love recall
and mercy show to me;
in your abounding love blot out
all my iniquity.
2 Cleanse me from sin, completely wash
from my iniquity;
3 I'm conscious of my wickedness;
my sin I always see.
4 'Gainst you, you only, have I sinned,
done evil in your sight;
so when you speak you're free of blame;
your judgement is most right.
5 Lo! I was guilty from my birth;
conceived was I in sin.
6 Lo! Uprightness in heart you seek:
so plant it deep within.
7 With hyssop you'll remove my sin
and so I will be clean;
I will be whiter than the snow
when washed by you I've been.
8 You'll let me hear rejoicing cries,
and bones you've crushed will dance.
9 O hide your face far from my sins,
and my guilt all erase.
10 Create in me a clean heart, God;
my spirit upright make.
11 Cast me not from you, nor from me
your Holy Spirit take.
12 O your salvation's joy restore;
my spirit willing keep.
13 Then I'll your ways transgressors teach,
and they for you will seek.
14 O God of my salvation God,
free me from guilt of blood;
then of your perfect righteousness
my tongue shall sing aloud.
15 My lips now open, sovereign Lord,
your praise to speak abroad;
16 no beast in sacrifice you seek,
else offer it I would.
With off'rings burnt you are not pleased:
17 God's sacrifices are
a broken spirit, contrite heart;
these you'll not spurn, O God.
18 Show good to Zion in your love;
Build up Jerus'lem's walls.
19 Then lawful sacrifice will please;
they'll bring you choice young bulls.
Tune: Herbert C.M.
A psalm of David when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had consorted with Bathsheba
1 O God your cov'nant love recall
and mercy show to me;
in your abounding love blot out
all my iniquity.
2 Cleanse me from sin, completely wash
from my iniquity;
3 I'm conscious of my wickedness;
my sin I always see.
4 'Gainst you, you only, have I sinned,
done evil in your sight;
so when you speak you're free of blame;
your judgement is most right.
5 Lo! I was guilty from my birth;
conceived was I in sin.
6 Lo! Uprightness in heart you seek:
so plant it deep within.
7 With hyssop you'll remove my sin
and so I will be clean;
I will be whiter than the snow
when washed by you I've been.
8 You'll let me hear rejoicing cries,
and bones you've crushed will dance.
9 O hide your face far from my sins,
and my guilt all erase.
10 Create in me a clean heart, God;
my spirit upright make.
11 Cast me not from you, nor from me
your Holy Spirit take.
12 O your salvation's joy restore;
my spirit willing keep.
13 Then I'll your ways transgressors teach,
and they for you will seek.
14 O God of my salvation God,
free me from guilt of blood;
then of your perfect righteousness
my tongue shall sing aloud.
15 My lips now open, sovereign Lord,
your praise to speak abroad;
16 no beast in sacrifice you seek,
else offer it I would.
With off'rings burnt you are not pleased:
17 God's sacrifices are
a broken spirit, contrite heart;
these you'll not spurn, O God.
18 Show good to Zion in your love;
Build up Jerus'lem's walls.
19 Then lawful sacrifice will please;
they'll bring you choice young bulls.
Tune: Herbert C.M.
3/04/11
Psalm 50
A psalm of Asaph
Tune: Diademata S.M.D. Crown Him with many crowns,
The Lamb upon His throne.
from rising to the setting sun, he unto earth does call.
2 From Zion his own hill, where perfect beauty dwells,
Jehovah has his glory shown, in brightness that excels.
3 Our God shall surely come, and silence shall not keep;
before him fire shall waste, and storms tempestuous round him sweep.
4 He to the heav'ns above shall then send forth his call,
and like-wise to the earth, that he may judge his people all.
5 "Together let my saints unto me gathered be;
those that by sacrifice have made a covenant with me."
6 Then shall the heav'ns declare his righteousness abroad;
because the Lord himself is judge, yea, none is judge, but God. [Selah]
7 "O you my people hear; I'll speak and testify
against you, O my Israel for God, your God am I.
8 For sacrifices I no blame will on you lay,
nor for burnt offerings of yours before me every day.
9 "I'll take no calf nor goat which stalls or pens confine;
10 for cattle on a thousand hills and all wild beasts are mine.
11 The birds of mountains great are all to me well known;
the beasts that roam the field untamed they, too, are all my own.
12 "Then if I hungry were I'd not report to you,
because the world belongs to me and all that's in it too.
13 Will I eat flesh of bulls? Or goats' blood drink will I?
14 Make thanks your sacrifice, and pay your vows to God most high.
5 "Together let my saints unto me gathered be;
The Lamb upon His throne.
Ps.50
1 The mighty God, the LORD, has spoken unto all;from rising to the setting sun, he unto earth does call.
2 From Zion his own hill, where perfect beauty dwells,
Jehovah has his glory shown, in brightness that excels.
3 Our God shall surely come, and silence shall not keep;
before him fire shall waste, and storms tempestuous round him sweep.
4 He to the heav'ns above shall then send forth his call,
and like-wise to the earth, that he may judge his people all.
5 "Together let my saints unto me gathered be;
those that by sacrifice have made a covenant with me."
6 Then shall the heav'ns declare his righteousness abroad;
because the Lord himself is judge, yea, none is judge, but God. [Selah]
7 "O you my people hear; I'll speak and testify
against you, O my Israel for God, your God am I.
8 For sacrifices I no blame will on you lay,
nor for burnt offerings of yours before me every day.
9 "I'll take no calf nor goat which stalls or pens confine;
10 for cattle on a thousand hills and all wild beasts are mine.
11 The birds of mountains great are all to me well known;
the beasts that roam the field untamed they, too, are all my own.
12 "Then if I hungry were I'd not report to you,
because the world belongs to me and all that's in it too.
13 Will I eat flesh of bulls? Or goats' blood drink will I?
14 Make thanks your sacrifice, and pay your vows to God most high.
5 "Together let my saints unto me gathered be;
those that by sacrifice have made a covenant with me."
15 "And you shall call on me when troublous days draw nigh;
to you I'll give deliverance; you shall me glorify."
16 But to the wicked man, says God, "How do you dare
to take my cov'nant in your mouth, my statutes to declare
17 because you even hate the warnings you have heard,
and you have cast behind your back the teachings of my word?
18 "You've given your consent when you a thief have seen,
and with the vile adulterer you have partaker been.
19 Your mouth to ill is giv'n; by your tongue lies you frame.
20 You evil of your brother speak, your mother's son defame.
21 "And when I silent am about these things you do,
within your wicked heart you think that I am just like you.
So I will you rebuke and charge you to your face
as I before you set your sins that lead to your disgrace.
22 "Now you that God forget, consider this with care,
lest I when there is none to save should you in pieces tear.
23 He honors me who brings the sacrifice of praise;
I'll God's salvation show to him who orders right his ways."
-- adapted from the Scottish Psalter 1650 and unpublished material of Charles McBurney
to you I'll give deliverance; you shall me glorify."
16 But to the wicked man, says God, "How do you dare
to take my cov'nant in your mouth, my statutes to declare
17 because you even hate the warnings you have heard,
and you have cast behind your back the teachings of my word?
18 "You've given your consent when you a thief have seen,
and with the vile adulterer you have partaker been.
19 Your mouth to ill is giv'n; by your tongue lies you frame.
20 You evil of your brother speak, your mother's son defame.
21 "And when I silent am about these things you do,
within your wicked heart you think that I am just like you.
So I will you rebuke and charge you to your face
as I before you set your sins that lead to your disgrace.
22 "Now you that God forget, consider this with care,
lest I when there is none to save should you in pieces tear.
23 He honors me who brings the sacrifice of praise;
I'll God's salvation show to him who orders right his ways."
-- adapted from the Scottish Psalter 1650 and unpublished material of Charles McBurney
3/02/11
A Martyr in Pakistan Today
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 02, 2011
Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's only Christian government minister, assassinated for opposing Islamic blasphemy law
"As a Christian, I believe Jesus is my strength. He has given me a power and wisdom and motivation to serve suffering humanity. I follow the principles of my conscience, and I am ready to die and sacrifice my life for the principles I believe,” said Shahbaz Bhatti, on a recent visit to Canada.
Let us sing the last verse of Psalm 48.
The one true God, he is our God,
and evermore he is the same;
he surely will us safely keep
and he will guide us on through death.
(Shahbaz Bhatti is far better off now than ever. We mourn for our loss...)
Psalm 49
Ps.49
1 Hear this, all you peoples hear;
Earth's inhabitants, give ear;
2 All of high and low degree,
Rich and poor, give ear to me.
3 For my mouth shall wisdom speak:
Knowledge with my heart I'll seek,
4 Lend to parables my ear,
With the harp make dark things clear.
5 Why should I to fear give way
When I see the evil day,
When with wickedness my foes
Shall surround me and oppose?
6 They that trust in treasured gold,
Though they boast of wealth untold,
7 None can bid his brother live,
None to God a ransom give;
8 Life's redemption--high it's price!
Nothing can for it suffice,
9 That from death one should be free
And corruption never see.
10 For alike before their eyes
Die the foolish and the wise,
Then their riches' hoarded heap,
Other hands in turn shall keep.
11 Yet within their heart they say
That their houses are for aye,
That their dwelling places grand
Shall for generations stand.
To their lands they give their name,
In the hope of lasting fame;
12 But man's honor quickly flies.
He, like beasts that perish, dies.
13 Though this folly marks their ways,
Though the world their sayings praise,
14 In the grave like sheep they're laid;
Death their shepherd there is made.
O'er them soon shall rule the just,
All their beauty turn to dust;
15 But from death God will retrieve,
To Himself my soul receive.
16 Let no fear disturb your peace;
Though one's house and wealth increase,
17 Death shall all his glory end;
Naught shall after him descend.
18 Though the world his praise will tell--
When he to himself does well,
And though while of life possessed,
He his soul had always blest--
19 With his fathers he shall lie,
Where no light shall meet their eye.
20 Man in honor when not wise,
Like the beasts that perish, dies.
A Psalm of the Songs of Korah
Tune: Mercy 77.77 (Cast your Burdens on the LORD)
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