Rendition of Psalm 30
I ran scared for a long time, Wanting to be safer than I was. I made narrow escapes but couldn’t Quite shake what hounded me. I cried for help, for healing, For answers, for anything. You heard me. You gave me My life back. You hid me In a quiet place only because I asked— But it was years before I could see it. People of God, if the Lord has been your help, Raise up whatever song you have. He is a whirlwind and a harrow But you can’t shake him. His love lasts the night and all life long. He knows how to wait; Take as long as you need. No night tears can stop the birds And bells of dawn singing every morning. Like fireseed, sorrow tills the soil Where supple flowers grow. When I prospered, I promised myself That I would always prosper, That I would never slip. I grew bright on limelight. My life was mirrors, and everything Mimicked my gestures but never touched. I scooped laughter into my lap And every hope came by the handful. But it was all hung on the braided Thread of your favor. My promises Came to nothing when you hid your face. The faith I thought was anvils Was only an easy season That let half truths gather, And stagger around in masquerade. You lifted the mask away, And I was dismayed. Lord, have mercy. We both know I was battered, barely Able to drag grief-riddled prayers Across your threshold, And I am not out of my straits yet. What good is my life If it becomes no different than death? Was I not scared enough already? Do the dead praise you? Do they tell stories to one another Of your faithfulness as they lie Side by side in the dust? Show me your smile and this cathedral Chest will breathe again, will sing. Make me rise and walk, And these stumbling feet will tap out a tattoo, Even sketch the steps of a silly dance. End the sackcloth season and give Me gladness back in double draughts. When the dirge days end, When I am safe again, I will not be silent. My life will be my thanks forever.
Psalms: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 46, 50, 51, 53, 54, 62, 63, 65, 66, 73, 74, 75, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 100, 107, 110, 114, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 137, 139, 140, 142, 147, 148.
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My life will be my thanks forever!!
Poignant and eloquent as always. So lovely!