(For the worship leader. A David psalm.)
The heavens shout God’s glory!
The skies never stop talking
About his creativity.
All day,
Every day,
They just keep on speaking.
All night,
Every night,
They share what they know.
They can’t actually talk, of course.
They’re wordless.
Silent.
Still, they have a voice
Which echoes throughout the earth,
Words ringing from pole to pole.
God has built a house
For the sun
In the sky.
It glows like a groom
On his wedding night.
It radiates like a sprinter
Who has just won gold.
Reliable and regular,
It makes its daily route
Across the skies,
Sharing its warmth with all.
Likewise, Yahweh’s Law is perfect,
A refreshing drink to the soul.
Yahweh’s rules make sense,
Even struggling students understand them.
Yahweh’s guidelines lead to the best kind of life,
Making for happy hearts.
Yahweh’s commands are brilliant,
A bright light to guide the way.
Yahweh’s active engagement with us is flawless,
Never ending.
Yahweh’s decrees are solid and sound,
Always just,
Always good.
They are worth more
Than a mountain of money.
More than a mountain range of money!
They are more satisfying
Than a home-cooked meal
After a month of greasy fast food.
They are warning signs,
Pointing out danger.
They are a treasure map
For those who heed them.
But none of us is a good judge of character
When it comes to ourselves,
Are we?
I know I need forgiveness from sins
I hide from myself.
So, keep me from intentional sins.
I don’t want to become a slave to them.
I don’t want people to point
Blaming fingers at me.
I want to live free of guilt
And shame.
I hope these reflections
Have pleased you, Yahweh.
They come from my heart,
Not just my mouth.
You are the foundation of my life.
You have bought me.
I am yours.