1. Two paths has the Lord set before us
   To lead till the end of our day

   One with his laws for our guidance

   The other to do as we may.

   My friend if you want to be happy
   and to have all your needs be fulfilled

   don’t take your advice from the lawless

   from those who in evil are skilled.

   Don’t follow their ways, and don’t linger,

   with murderers, liars, and thieves,

   lest you lose your hatred of evil,

   and the goodness inside of you leaves.

   Instead be happy with kindness,

   understand what is good and is right

   measure all of your acts with this yardstick

   and hold fast to this truth day and night.

   For then your life will be blessed
   nothing you need will you lack,

   all that you touch will be fruitful,

   and God will cover your back.

   But the lawless ones won’t have this blessing,
   when the wind blows they’ll scatter like dust

   for inside they are hollow…no substance,

   and will crumble as surely they must.

   5, 6. But you will have chosen salvation

   from our God who will judge on that day,

   while they will have chosen perdition

   when the law they chose not to obey.

DAVID’S PRAYER FOR HELP

Oh God I’m distressed I’m beset by my fear,
for my troubles are many and my end seems so near.

I’ve become an example of what not to be,
as people whisper and point at me:

“Look at this fool, where is his God now?
Open your eyes and your God disavow!”

But my God I know that you are my shield,
That you are my glory, and in you I am sealed.

I cried for your help in my hour of need,
and from your Holy Heaven you responded with speed.

Whenever I lie, to sleep and to rest,
I wake in the morning sustained and well blessed.

Tens of thousands of people all seek my demise,
but I’m not afraid for you are my prize.

You are my shield, and you are my arm,
and as long as I’m with you, I shall fear no harm.

Once more I beseech you to save me my Lord
to scatter my troubles with your mighty sword.

For you are the Lord, and you are salvation,
which you offer to us and all of creation.

MORNING PRAYER
To the Chief Musician of Nehiloth.
A Psalm of David.

1. To you and only you I pray, Oh God of my salvation
as underneath the rosy sky I sit in meditation.
2. And with the sparkling morning dew my prayers I will sing:
You are my God, you are my King, you are my everything.
3. And thus each morning without fail my pray’rs will find you
as I begin each day anew my fortunes to pursue.

4. For you my God have no pleasure, in the wickedness of mankind.
5. You hate the pain and destruction, that springs from an evil mind.
6. And those who live by such actions, and beat their chests with great pride;

Won’t be able to stand in your presence, and in terror, all of them, they will hide.
The liars, the bloodthirsty killers, the deceitful who in evil delight;
Will all be destroyed in your presence, for none can stand up to your might.

7. So every morning I make sure to start my day with you.
To think about your goodness, and my love for you renew.
For through your love, your boundless love, you take me by my hand,
8. and welcome me into your house where I will firmly stand.
And in your Holy Temple, I will worship you in awe,
and let you lead and guide me, by following your law.

9. But temptation will surround me, and will set its traps for
Me;
God I ask you for your wisdom, so these obstacles I see.
For all of these temptations are devoid of truth, they’re lies;
They are bent on my destruction by blinding my eyes.
10. Protect me from temptation that would pull me from
your side,
let me witness its destruction as it crumbles from inside.

11. Oh God I pray that all of us that seek our help from
You,
breakout in song and happiness and our faith in you renew.
12. Defend us Lord protect us, give us cover with your
shield,
and bless us with your righteousness, to keep us firmly sealed.

DAVID’S PRAYER IN PERSECUTION
(Shiggaion of David, who sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.)

1. Oh Lord my God my hiding place in you my trust I place,
to save me from my troubles through your eternal grace.
2. My enemies pursue me, they will hound me to my death,
They won’t give up their efforts until my dying breath.
Lord save me from their anger, from my pursuers’ wrath,
lest like an angry lion one traps me on my path,
and drags me to his hiding place to tear me limb from limb,
with no one there to rescue me he’ll carry out his whim.

3. Oh Lord God if ever I’ve done wrong, if guilt is on my
head,
4. if I repaid with evil, the kindness from a friend,
and without cause my enemy I’ve robbed and left for dead,
5. then Lord I don’t deserve your help, don’t help me and
instead,
give vict’ry to my enemy, let him beat me till I’m dead.
Even though I am not perfect none of these things have I done,
oh God rise up in anger and stand with me as one
as I face down my enemies, till victory is won.

6, 7. Arise oh Lord and judge me, let all assembled see
that you will judge in righteousness, the soul that is in me.
Oh Lord end this corruption, and judge me with your grace,
for you secure the innocent in the judgments that they face.

1. For you God know what’s in our hearts and what is in our
mind;
Your judgment will be fair and just which none can undermine.
9-17. But for the guilty there’s no hope, they’ll face your wrath divine;
For if the guilty don’t repent, and change from wrong to right,
God will descend with punishment, and evil he will smite.

The evil ones in their defense and their attacks on me
will strategize and theorize and on their lies agree.
They’ll dig deep pits to trap me and with their words ensnare,
but blindly they will fall inside the traps that they prepare.

THANKSGIVING FOR GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS

I’m a witness O Lord to your marvelous deeds:
how the great mustard trees spring from minuscule seeds;
how events in our hist’ry were clearly foretold,
through the words of your prophets, such as Moses of old.

With my whole heart I’ll praise you as long as I live
my worship’s for you, to you only I give.
My happiness rests in you all of my days,
with these poems of mine, your name I will praise.

My enemy comes at me strong from all sides,
but the moment it sees you, it scatters and hides.
For you fight my battles, through the days and the nights,
And you jealously guard me, protect all my rights,
and you lift me to safety to mountainous heights.

On the day of my judgment, you’ll sit on your throne,
and your grace and your mercy to all will be shown.
On that day you’ll rebuke the nations of evil,
whose hatred of you is deep and primeval.

God’s patience is done and destruction will come
no evil will stand, but to God will succumb.
None of this evil will remain whatsoever,
its mem’ry erased forever and ever.

O Father of evil your judgment is near
your reign of destruction will end, so will fear.
Many people have perished through your machinations
you’ve completely destroyed a great many nations.

But woe to you, for God’s justice is coming
and this time around, fairness will be forthcoming.
For the world will be judged with righteousness fair,
the extent of your guilt you’ll be fully aware.

But God will give refuge to those you oppress
he’ll give them safe haven and at last they shall rest.
And those who have known God and taken his name
will trust in the Lord and will never face shame.

For you God are loyal forever are true
you’ll never forsake us you’ll give us our due.
With these poems of mine Lord, I will sing your praises,
And in tribute to you I have fashioned these phrases.

Have mercy on me Lord consider my sorrows
For in mercy you’ve saved me, for many tomorrows.
When I stood at death’s door, you brought me back
you spared my life from the devil’s attack,
so that I may go forth and tell of your goodness
of how you are great, and your love gives great fullness.

But many a people are content in their wallow
and when truth they are shown they simply won’t follow.
Their own hands have fashioned the traps they’ve stepped in
they are stuck in the mire created by sin.
At the end of their days their reward they will earn
there will be no more lessons for they’ve shown they won’t learn.
For the lives they’ve destroyed you will pay blood for blood
as their guilt overwhelms them like a fast-moving flood.

Justice on earth won’t be found for the poor
they are on their own their pain to endure.
For the rich and powerful will have their way
but the poor and helpless are made to pay.

Come quickly O Lord and end this perversion.
One word from you Lord will stop this corruption.
Strike fear in their hearts Lord and end this subversion.
Let them know they’re but men, and will face destruction.

FAITH IN GOD’S GOODNESS

In you Oh my God, I put all my trust
to you my life I entrust.
But sometimes it feels, you want me to fly
to your mountains, to hide up on high.

But how can this be Lord? Why should I hide?
When will you your protection provide?
For my enemies now emboldened they are
They gather from near and from far,
All manner of violence on me to attempt,
and treat me with utter contempt.

Look! The wicked take aim, to shoot right at my heart;
to mangle, and tear me apart.
If you my foundation, won’t take me by the hand
how can I in my weakness then stand?

Even so I will trust you and shout from up high:
“The Lord’s in his temple, his throne is in heaven, he sees me and won’t let me die!”

It may seem he can’t see our troubles, our pain,
That our faith in him may be in vain;
But at all times he sees, he’s fully aware,
he’ll allow only what we can bear.

He may teach us, and test us, to strengthen our trust
So our faith may become more robust
But at all times he sees, he’s fully aware,
he’ll allow only what we can bear.

But the evil, the wicked, the ones who love violence; he abhors to the depth of his core.
They’ll have no place to hide, for on them he’ll wage war, on their heads he will rain down hot coal.

Fire and brimstone, and hot searing wind, will chase them to the end of their days.
For the Lord he is righteous, and the righteous he loves, he’ll uphold them in all of their ways.

TRUST IN GOD

Have you forgotten me oh Lord? It seems like you have left me.
How long will this continue LORD? Will this forever be?
How long, Oh LORD, will I search for you? Will you hide your face from me?
And leave me to my own device, to live in misery?
Without you Lord I have no peace, I have no joy at all.
How long, Oh LORD, will our en’my rejoice, and anticipate my fall?

To understand that everything is just as you have planned,
open my eyes and let me see the wisdom of your hand.
Open my eyes and let me see the wisdom of your ways,
for otherwise I might succumb and death consume my days.

For otherwise our enemy his victory will proclaim,
another wretched soul he’ll take, another one he’ll claim.
For every time I slip from you this enemy rejoices,
in hopes of moving me from you, he’ll praise my foolish choices.
But God my faith is in your hands and my salvation too,
for you have blessed me to no end, my soul belongs to you.
 

TRUST IN THE SALVATION OF GOD

QUESTION

Oh Lord my God I need to know, who from this earth may rest in you?
Who will be welcome in your sight, I need to know please tell me who?

ANSWER

Those who are upright in their ways, and live in righteousness each day;
They who are honest from the heart, and through their lives no lies display;
Those who with words will not attack, a person who has turned his back;
Who do no evil to a friend, and who compassion do not lack;
Who do not criticize nor blame, for any fault that they can claim;
To give themselves a better name, reproaching friends with guilt and shame;
They who abhor an evil soul, and from their lives such people ban;
And such as these they’ll always shun, be they a woman or a man.
But in their stead they honor those, who follow God and their love show;
For such are persons who love God and this the wise ones always know.
Who once they swear a solemn oath, no matter how much it may hurt;
will always keep it and stay true, and from that path will not divert.
Who do not gouge a friend in need, when in tough times they are brought low,
And who instead will feel their pain and through compassion kindness show.
Who will be just, who will be fair, pursuing justice everywhere;
Who will not touch a bribe to snare, the innocent in their despair.
These kinds of people won’t be moved, they firmly stand by God approved,
And from the Holy place of God, will never, ever be removed.

THE HOPE OF THE FAITHFUL IN THE FINAL SALVATION

Oh Lord hear my weeping as your justice I seek
for my prayers are fervent and no lies do I speak.
From you, only you, vindication I yearn;
For you, only you, uprightness discern.

You have tested my faith, you have tested my heart,
and in my darkest hour I did not depart.
I have taken great pains not to slander, revile,
and instead try to live a life that’s worthwhile.
Keep me far, far away from deeds that destroy;
keep me on your path, and in me find great joy.

I have called upon you, hear me oh my GOD,
give me a sign, a smile, a nod.
Show me your love with your mighty right hand;
for you can save me with a single command.

From those who rise up, against those who love you;
from those who torment, and with evil pursue;
Oh Lord please protect me, as you would your eye;
under your wings in peace let me lie.

Save me from the wicked, who give chase without rest;
from the terror inside me, which pounds in my chest.
Their hearts are so full they are deaf to our pleas,
our cries of distress are lost in the breeze.

Without shame they boast of their greatness, their worth;
they control our lives from the day of our birth.
Like a ravenous lion that targets its prey,
they have set their sights on us, and their snares in our way.

Arise and confront them, cast them down oh my LORD,
deliver my life from the evil man’s sword.
Deliver my life with your hand oh my LORD,
deliver, defend me, oh LORD with your sword:
From the men of this world who enjoy their reward:
who’s coffers are full, and whose bellies are filled;
who’re surrounded by children, whose lives are fulfilled;
who pass on their wealth, and all they have built.

But for me it’s enough to be righteous in thee,
for when I wake from death, your face I will see.

THE PERFECT REVELATION OF THE LORD

In two ways we can know the existence of God,
Through the wonders of nature, and his written word.

IN NATURE
Look up at the sky and at all it contains
the intricate details of nights and of days.
You can’t help but acknowledge God’s hand in all this,
for how can such detail come from an abyss?

Each day is a witness that from God’s hand it came
and the night’s patent genius attests to the same.
There’s no speech or language where his voice is not heard
and there is no mistaking how all this occurred.

The message is strong and the message is clear
saying: “if you look closely God’s hand will appear!”
Each day in full glory the sun breaks from its sleep
like a newlywed bridegroom his promise to keep.

Like an athlete rejoicing in the power of his strength
From the East to the West, it runs the full-length.
Sunshine and warmth explode all around,
over each inch of earth, over each inch of ground.

IN HIS WORD
God’s existence again we can see in his word
In all that is written, in all that has occurred.
We all know he’s law’s perfect, converting the soul;
his teachings are solid, making everyone whole;

The wise and the simple will all understand
and if they so choose, next to him they will stand.
There’s no doubt that his statutes, his guidelines for life,
are righteous, are perfect, and with blessings are rife.

His Commandments are pure and they open our eyes,
And they teach us the difference between goodness and lies.
The wisdom apparent from hearing the LORD,
stays with us forever, in our hearts it is stored.

 
His judgments are righteous, they are fair, they are just
their more precious than gold, for in them we can trust.
They bring satisfaction that’s much sweeter than honey,
for they can’t be subverted by love or by money.

To those who pay heed they serve as a warning
lest we forget, and our joy turns to mourning.
These laws and commandments our errors point out,
our faults they will show us, so we will have no doubt.

From unknowingly sinning they will keep me back,
for knowledge and wisdom, I will never lack.
Then I’ll be blameless in God’s holy sight,
I will be innocent, I will be right.

Let the words of my mouth, and the thoughts of my heart,
be pleasing to you; and from your holy presence may I never depart

LORD YOU ARE MY REDEEMER, YOU ARE MY LIFE
YOU KEEP ME PROTECTED, YOU KEEP ME ALIVE!

GOD WILL SAVE AND PROTECT YOU

A wise king such as David rejoices in God’s strength
his spirit is exultant and he praises God at length.

God nothing you’ve denied him
his cup’s filled to the brim
whatever he has asked for
you have blessed with even more.

Whenever he approaches you, you come to meet your friend,
and every time with perfect gifts, you bless him to no end.
A crown you placed upon his head, to all his needs attended.
He asked you for a lengthy life, so his days you have extended.

Because of you Lord great glory surrounds him,
and his Majesty never will dim.
Fore’er he’ll be blessed
as you give him the best,
well measured, well shaken, and pressed.
His joy is measured by his closeness to you,
and your presence he’ll always pursue.

A wise king such as David by God is approved,
enjoys his love forever, and will never be moved.
For by wisdom he knows to trust in the Lord,
and such trust guides his acts, to eternal reward.

Be a leader like David, like him be wise,
and the Lord will lend you his arms and his eyes.
You will find all your en’mies no matter where hidden,
to do as you will to your hand they’ll be given.

They’ll be rendered to ash
when their fortress you crash
when they’re facing God’s rage
which won’t be assuaged
for the evil they’ve spread
and the blood they have shed.

The results of their deeds will wipe them from this earth
they will leave no heirs, no blessings of birth.
Of their sojourn on earth there won’t be a trace,
all signs of their presence forever erased.
None of their evils not one of their plans
will prosper against you, for you are in God’s hands.
You will win every fight,
and put them to flight,
your aim will be sure,
and your victory secure.

With wonder and awe we acknowledge your might,
with our songs we will praise you as these words I write.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Since God is my shepherd, I will not lack a thing;
he keeps me in comfort, and my peace he will bring;
The path he maps for me, leads through quiet and peace;
When my soul is tormented, my calm he’ll increase.

Because I have chosen him, and carry his name;
he leads me to righteousness, and absolves me of blame.
As I go through this life, surrounded by carnage;
death running amok, in a furious rampage;
I won’t be afraid, nothing will I fear,
for he’s leading in front, and he’s watching my rear.

In full view of my enemies, GOD you bless and anoint me;
in loving abundance, for all people to see.
Your goodness you’ll give me as my reward;
as forever I dwell in your home, Oh my Lord.

A PLEA FOR DELIVERANCE AND FORGIVENESS

You are my confidence you are my trust,
to you oh my Lord my soul I entrust.

Let me not be ashamed, let me not be embarrassed,
grant me my vict’ry as you have in the past.

All those who trust you, who call on your name,
keep them uplifted, let them suffer no shame.

Let those who are treacherous, for no good reason,
let them be ashamed, pay them back for their treason.

Show me your path Lord, teach me your ways,
instruct me in truth Lord, all of my days.

You are my God who gives me salvation,
I will wait on your mercy as does all of creation.

My sins and transgressions Lord don’t hold them against me, remember your love Lord, for I need your mercy.

Deal with me kindly, deal with me gently,
not because I deserve it, but because of your mercy.

God is all good, and God is upright,
as he teaches his people to do what is right.

All the lessons of God lead to mercy and truth,
to all who’re sworn to him and follow the truth.

For the sake of your name Lord, forgive me my wrongs,
so I’ll speak of your goodness, with my words and my songs.

For if by my words even one should accept you,
your joy will be boundless and your happiness true.

Show me the person who fears the Lord,
and I’ll show you a person who by God is adored;

Who by God is instructed in the paths he should choose,
and the clutter of life will never confuse.

Such persons will live off the fat of the land,
the wealth of the world, God will put in their hand.

Their descendants are many, there will be no dearth,
they will all be blessed and inherit the earth.

To all who love God, great secrets he’ll show,
the secrets to life, and his covenant they’ll know.

Forever on you God I will focus my eyes,
save me from the enemy, above whom I will rise.

God turn your face to me, have mercy on me,
for I am afflicted and I’m down on my knee.

My troubles consume me, and my soul they will swallow,
save me from this darkness in which I now wallow.

Look on my affliction, consider my pains,
forgive me my sins Lord, break me free from my chains.

For my en’mies are many, too many to count,
and the hate they have for me, I cannot surmount.

Save me oh Lord, let me not be ashamed,
for in you is my trust, and your promise I’ve claimed.

Let integrity guide me, and keep me upright,
for I count on you Lord to help me keep right.

Redeem us oh Lord from the darkness of death,
blow away all our troubles with a blast of your breath.

DECLARATION OF FAITH

The Lord is my light, and he is my salvation,
whom then shall I fear out of all of creation?
The Lord is the keeper, the strength of my life
so I will fear nothing, no person, or strife.

When evil comes at me to tear me apart,
it stumbles and falls, for the Lord takes my part.
Though their armies surround me, I will still have no fear,
though the prospect of war is abundantly clear.

One thing that I seek, and I always desire,
is to dwell in your presence, my whole life entire.
To gaze at your beauty, and bask in your glory,
to seek counsel from you, and hear your great story.

In my days of great trouble, with you I’ll take shelter;
when terrified souls, run helter and skelter.
In your secret places, in safety I’ll hide,
my soul will be lifted, and kept satisfied.

My head you hold high, above all of my foes,
as my worship I offer, and my love overflows.
As I sing you my love, as I sing you my praise,
Again and again, in ten million ways.

Hear me oh GOD when I raise up my voice,
answer me quickly and let me rejoice.
You yourself told me to seek you in prayer,
so in earnest I seek you, and my soul I lay bare.

So don’t turn your face from me, don’t turn away,
in anger don’t leave me, don’t hold me at bay.
If somehow it should be that my parents forsake me,
I know that my welfare you my Lord will decree.

Lord carve me a path through this treacherous land,
and help me avoid the evil one’s hand.
For the ones who rise up against me in rage,
falsely accuse me, and great violence wage.

 
I would have surrendered a long time ago,
had I not trusted, and your love did not know;
had I not trusted that I’d see your goodness,
even while I’m beset, and my life is in darkness.

So be of good courage, be of good heart,
wait on the Lord, and he will do his part.
Patiently wait on him he will respond,
he has given his word, and his word is his bond.

PRAISE TO GOD AND HIS MAJESTY

Give glory to God you mighty of heaven, and also you mighty of earth;
Give him your strength for it’s his to begin with, acknowledge his might and his worth.

He is your God so give him the glory, the glory that’s due to his name;
He is your God so give him your worship, and his beauty in worship proclaim.

Even the waters, the deep mighty oceans, the voice of the Lord they obey;
At his bidding they’ll rage, only he can assuage, and return them to frolic and play.

His glory not only is seen by the eye, but is heard by the ears as it thunders;
It cannot be confined, nor can it be defined, the whole earth is awash with his wonders.

His voice is so mighty that even his whisper can split open the great cedar tree;
By its roots he’ll pull out, and toss it about, and hurl it deep into the sea.

His word orders quakes, and the wilderness shakes, and the flames from volcanoes he tames;
Even fires obey him, and rejoice in his presence, as they shimmer and dance with their flames.

He instructs living things on how to give birth: to the deer and the humans alike;
Even lightning will listen and obeys his commands, and without his permission won’t strike.

With a blast of his breath he lays forests bare, and the trees he can strip of their leaves;
So we flock to his temple to give him all glory, where our worship he always receives.

The Lord was the Lord in the days of the flood, and he’s still Lord of all things today;
He remains Lord forever, for ever and ever, and our trust he will never betray.
He’s the strength of his people, the might of their arms, their blessings he’ll always increase;
He’ll bless them forever with all of his gifts, above all though he’ll bless them with peace.

THE LORD, MY FORTRESS

All my hopes, all my fears, I entrust to your hands,
in your righteousness save me, for by you my life stands.
Don’t let me down LORD, don’t let my trust be shamed,
lest fear and confusion in me be inflamed.

From your mighty height Lord bring your ear close to me,
deliver me quickly while I’m still on my knee.
Be my rock, be my refuge, my defense from all harm,
as I seek my protection in your mighty arm.

Because you are my fortress, and you are my rock:
lead me oh Lord as a shepherd his flock.
Protect me and guide me for the sake of your name,
so that all those who see me, your goodness will claim.

My foes seek to trap me, they have set out their nets,
pull me out of their traps Lord, before the sun sets.
My spirit oh Lord, to your hands I commit,
for you have redeemed me, and to you I submit.

I reject useless idols, and all who bow to them,
for my trust is in you, and these acts I condemn.
For why would I bow to what my hands created?
Whose very appearance was by my hands dictated?

Nobody knows my soul better than you do,
all of the troubles and the pain that it’s been through.
Therefore in your mercy I’ll be glad and rejoice,
I give you my worship, and pay heed to your voice.

The hands of my enemies could not contain me,
you’ve expanded my ground, and at will I roam free.
Once again Lord have mercy, for I am in big trouble,
as the groans from my belly and my soul, now redouble.

Because of my sins I am weak, I’m consumed,
and my life’s spent in grief for I’ve no doubt I’m doomed.
Not only my enemies but also my friends,
have made me a lesson in how my faith ends.

 
When they see me they hide, they are filled with disgust,
I’m like a disease, I am no more than dust.
As if I am dead I’m erased from their mind,
as if I were broken they leave me behind.

As if that’s not enough, they slander my name,
and all sorts of evil, on me they lay blame.
And now in their minds I am hated and feared,
they take counsel and scheme, to have my life ended.

But despite all of this Lord, my trust is in you,
I shout “YOU’RE MY GOD”, and I give you your due.
My life, every moment, is in your hand,
deliver me God, and help me withstand.
Help me withstand all of my persecutors,
who falsely accuse me and are my prosecutors.

Lord shine your light on me, your servant, and friend,
save me oh Lord, and your name defend.
Show all the world that my trust is well-placed,
that I am delivered for my cause you’ve embraced.

Let them know that you save me because I call on you;
embarrass the wicked as their plans they pursue.
Make them be silent in life and in death,
their lying lips silenced until their last breath.

But for those who trust in you and follow your ways,
great goodness you’ve stored for them, for the end of their
days.
And in life you shall hide them from the schemes of the
Wicked.
In your presence they’re hidden as though in the thicket.
Hidden from eyes, and immune to the slander,
for you are their refuge, and their mighty defender.

Blessed be the Lord, for he showed me great kindness,
when I doubted my God, because of my blindness.
For in my impatience I thought I was forsaken,
but you remained loyal, and your love wasn’t shaken.

 
All of his people, all of you saints,
worship God fully without any restraints.
For his judgment is fair and he justly rewards,
for those faithful to God, good things he awards;

So be of good courage, and be of strong heart,
for from your side the Lord will never depart.
 

GOD THE CREATOR AND PROTECTOR

The Lord finds great joy in the praise of the upright
so rejoice all you righteous with all of your might.
Praise him with music, with the strumming of strings,
play it with skill, make it worthy of kings.

Sing him a new song, make it joyful and loud,
open your soul, let your feelings pour out.
Praise he deserves for his word is right,
and praise he deserves, for he’s always upright.

He’s enamored of justice, and he loves righteous deeds,
when he walks the earth, goodness always precedes.
The world is replete with the goodness he’s given,
the beauty, the hope, and the sins he’s forgiven.

Through the words of his mouth were the heavens created
and all living things through his breath generated.
By his word he gathers the waters, and keeps them apart from dry land,
he keeps separate the waters of heaven, and he makes it rain on command.

Let all of the earth stand in fear and wonder
at his inherent beauty and the roar of his thunder.
All of creation was made through his words,
the skies and the mountains, the fishes and birds.
He spoke into being creation so vast,
his commands they obeyed, and have always stood fast.

The wise rulers of nations their own counsels propound,
they may lay out their plans, after studies profound.
But if any of these to your plans are not bound,
you will cast them adrift, and their authors confound.

The counsels of God are both wise and they’re clever,
and the plans in his heart will bear fruit forever.
Blessed are they whose God is the LORD,
those whom he’s chosen and their glory restored.

The Lord looks from heaven and sees all of mankind,
he sees everything, for his eyes are not blind.
The work of each person he will watch, and review,
For he’s given us leave our own will free to do.
No armies of earth, no matter how mighty,
can rescue their kings, only the Almighty.
No persons on earth, no matter how strong,
can rescue their lives, nor their own days prolong.

No mere horses and chariots can ever assure
to uphold the peace and safety secure.
But the Lord always watches over those who know him,
his mercy is constant, and his eyes never dim.

Their souls he delivers, he’ll keep them from death,
and even in famine he will feed every breath.
So we’ll wait on the Lord, and we’ll never surrender,
for he is our shield, and our mighty defender.

Cover us always with your mercy oh Lord,
let your love like a rainstorm upon us be poured.
All of your blessings will always be ours,
for our hopes lie in you, in your goodness and powers.
 

GOD IS MY AVENGER

Contend Lord for me, with my persecutors,
take up my fight, against my prosecutors.
Pick up your shield, and pick up your buckler,
raise up your spear against my attacker.

Say to my soul: “I am your salvation”,
Stand up, be my help, till the end of creation.
Put them to shame, and strip them of honor,
all who would kill me, and my house dishonor.

Confound them Oh Lord, strike them with confusion,
those who would harm me, who would plot my destruction.
Let them be scattered like chaff in the wind,
let your angel pursue them till their furor is dimmed.

Let them stumble and slip, and their day be made dark,
as your angel pursues them, and his spear finds its mark.
For they seek to hunt me, and attack me from spite;
They lay out their traps, in the dark of the night.

Their demise be it swift, and sudden their doom,
the trap they set for me, let that be their tomb.
Then my spirit will bubble, and rejoice in the Lord,
for my soul will be rescued, my salvation restored.

Every inch of my being every inch of my soul
shouts “there’s no one like you!” And your name will extol.
You deliver the weak from the hands of the strong,
the poor and the needy from the merciless throng.

Witnesses rise to falsely accuse me,
of things I know nothing, which they never did see.
They pay me back evil, for the good I have done them
they have shattered my soul, and my life they condemn.

When they were sick, I groaned for their healing,
I fasted in prayer, to our God appealing.
I afflicted my soul, as if I was grieving,
my head to the ground, my chest sighing and heaving.
 
People would ask, “is he grieving his mother?”
Others were certain ‘twas my sister, or brother.
But no, my distress was because of their trials,
yet they falsely accuse me and scorn my denials.

They watched as I stumbled, and when I was distressed,
They gathered in glee, and their joy was expressed.
Half of those gathered I don’t even know,
yet they slandered and mocked me, as though I was their foe.

How long Oh my Lord, will you let this go on?
Rescue me Lord for I am your own!
Rescue my life from the teeth of these beasts,
don’t let me be meat for degenerate feasts.
Then Lord in front of your great congregations,
I will praise you and thank you, in front of the nations.

Those who for no reason have made me their foe,
deny them their joy and bring them down low.
And from all those who hate me without any cause,
deliver me Lord from their bone crushing jaws.

For these don’t speak peace, they just seek the demise,
of the meek, and the quiet, by ascribing them lies.
They in fury accuse me, face and mouths contorted,
Saying “He has done evil”, as my sins they reported.
But you Lord who see all, do not be silent;
in the face of their slander, do not be quiet;
stand up for me Lord and fight for my right,
vindicate me oh Lord make me good in thy sight.

Don’t let them say in their hearts: “We have won;
we have swallowed him up, he is finished, he’s done!”
Put them to shame, put them to confusion,
all those who rejoice, and wish my destruction.
Let them be covered in shame and dishonor,
all those who slander and strip me of honor.

But all those who seek my vindication,
let them be joyful at my restoration.
Let them say forever: “great is the LORD”.
Let praise flow from their mouths, and upon you be poured.

Then all of my days, and throughout each day,
your praises I’ll sing, and your love I’ll display.

THE REWARD OF THE FAITHFUL
AND THE END OF THE WICKED

Don’t let yourself be troubled by the works of evildoers,
nor have a twinge of envy for iniquity pursuers.
For soon you’ll see them cut to shreds, mowed down like knee-high grass
you’ll see them dried up in the sun, their color as burnt brass.

But you put your trust in the Lord; do good, and trust his word,
Dwell in peace in the land he gives, for you are his preferred.
Enjoy the blessings of your life, and through it all do good,
his faithfulness will keep you strong, and for your soul is food.

And in the Lord have great delight and nothing you shall lack,
for blessings upon blessings he will pile up and stack.
For if you trust upon the Lord, your way to him commit,
he’ll bring to pass all your desires, and nothing he’ll omit.

And as you live your life in God your righteousness shall shine,
your judgments will be clear to all, reflecting the divine.
Trust in the Lord, wait patiently, don’t be troubled by the schemes,
that prosper evil men in life as unfair as it seems.

Don’t let your heart be troubled, don’t be angry nor upset.
For this will only harm you and be to your regret.
For in the end the evil ones shall perish, be no more;
but those who wait upon the Lord the earth they shall inherit… and God’s glory will restore.

For yet a little while and then, the wicked are no more,
all traces of their evil will be wiped from shore to shore.
The earth will shift possession to the humble and the meek,
and they will be delighted having found the peace they seek.

The wicked plot against the just
and for their blood they lust;
but at their evil schemes God laughs for he knows very soon,
the end will come upon them all, with the force of a typhoon.

 
The wicked have geared up for war against the poor and needy,
to wipe the upright from this earth they are prepared and ready.
But by their own swords they shall die, their weapons will all fail;
their mighty weapons and great plans will be to no avail.
The little that the righteous have is better than the might
and the riches of the wicked, for their guided by God’s light.
For God upholds the righteous ones, they’re always in his sight;
and the weapons of the wicked shall be broken by his might.

The Lord knows all his people and the troubles they’ve been through;
their reward shall be eternal in the land he makes anew.
They won’t be disappointed, for on you they have relied;
through evil times and famine you shall see them satisfied.

But the wicked ones shall perish, and the enemies of God
from the face of earth they’ll vanish, where once in arrogance they trod.
Like the splendor of the gardens in the face of winter’s cold,
they shall shrivel up and wither, for their lives they cannot hold.

Like a wisp of smoke they’ll vanish, disappear into thin air;
not a trace of them remaining, not a single strand of hair.
For the nature of the righteous is merciful and giving;
but the nature of the wicked is forever to be taking.

All those blessed by God will prosper, and the earth they shall inherit;
but the cursed will be cut off, and no mercy they shall merit.
The path good people travel has been ordered by the Lord;
and it pleases God no end as they walk to their reward.

On this journey they may stumble, they may fall, but they will rise,
they are held up by the Savior, they are worthy in his eyes.

I was young once but I’m old now, and in all my living days,
I have yet to see the righteous be forsaken in their prayers.
Neither will their children hunger, stand in shame and beg for bread;
for the LORD GOD, the ALMIGHTY, will protect and keep them fed.

 
Yes the righteous ones are kind, have compassion, money lend;
their descendants shall be blessed, for through time their acts transcend.

Run from evil and do good, live in peace forevermore;
live in harmony with others, and the LORD your GOD adore.
For the LORD your GOD loves justice, and his saints does not forsake;
he will keep them and preserve them, of his bounty they’ll partake.

But the children of the wicked from God’s love shall be cut off;
for the’ve learned to their perdition, at God’s word to mock and scoff.
So the righteous will inherit and forever dwell in peace;
in this land that GOD has given, and their trials all shall cease.

From the mouths of the righteous comes the wisdom of the Lord;
And their tongues shall speak of justice, fight injustice like a sword.
For the law of God is buried deep inside their righteous heart,
on this path they’ll walk with purpose and from justice won’t depart.

Evil men shall stalk the righteous with intent to make them dead;
but the Lord will not permit this, he’ll protect them till the end.
So I tell you to be patient, wait on God and keep his ways;
and God’s kingdom you’ll inherit, while the wicked end their days.

I have seen the wicked person grow in strength and grow in power;
yet he’s passed away forever, look and see, he is no more.
But the blameless and the upright, look at them and you will see;
that their future will be peaceful, and forever they’ll be free.

The transgressors though will perish and the wicked be destroyed;
for together they’ll be bundled, and cast off into the void.
But the righteous have salvation and their strength is in the Lord;
he’ll deliver them and save them for they’ve trusted in his word.

In the presence of evil: those committed to sin;
I will hold fast my tongue and my mouth keep still;
Lest I sin with my tongue and to my chagrin,
I give cause to the wicked to question your will.

I stood stubbornly silent, would not speak up for truth,
Even though my blood boiled and I burned deep inside.
The rage deep inside me unable to soothe,
I mastered my feelings, let my anger subside.

But with you Oh my Lord, my tongue is not still,
Tell me my end Lord, how long will I live?
My life’s but a moment, subject to your will,
At my best I am nothing, with nothing to give.

Our lives are but shadows, our pursuits but in vain,
As we gather great riches and chase after fame;
knowing not in the end who our riches will gain,
knowing not in the end, who our honors will claim.

My decision is easy, I rest my hope in you,
Save me from bad choices, from the ways of the fool,
Help me your path to always pursue,
Don’t let fools mock me as I live by your rule.

Because all is from you LORD, I will hold my tongue;
But LORD please stop my suffering, lest I perish at your hand.
When you correct and chastise us by your punishment we’re stung,
Our beauty from our being is stripped, and in your name we cannot stand.

For we are of no substance, we’re like a mist upon this land,
we beg you heed our prayer Lord, and give ear to our cry,
We’re like a desert shower, disappearing in the sand.
Do not be silent at our tears, for without you we will die.

For I’m a stranger in this land surviving by your grace,
No different than my fathers who cried to you in prayer.
So turn away your fury, lift your anger from your face,
Forgive us our transgressions and from your anger spare.

Let me restore and gain my strength, set me back on your path;
Before I’m lost forevermore, consumed by your great wrath.

Blessed are they who consider the poor, who help the weak, and who help the needy.
For when they themselves in trouble shall be, God’s help will be swift, God’s help will be speedy.

The Lord will preserve them and keep them alive,
he will bless them on earth, in all that they strive.
Lord such people you’ll never abandon; or leave
in the hands of their enemies to suffer or grieve.

To such he gives strength, when in sickness they languish,
he will nurse them, he’ll help them, through their sickness and anguish.

Lord have mercy on me for against you I’ve sinned,
when my enemies slandered and kept me chagrined.
They all wish my death, they hope that I perish;
they seek evil upon, all those whom I cherish.

When they come to see me, when I’m sick in my bed;
they pretend great concern, but I know that instead,
they are looking for signs my condition is grave;
then they’ll tell all who listen, I’m halfway in my grave.

All those who hate me speak of me in one voice,
they plan how to hurt me, and at my pain rejoice.
“A most foul disease grips his Soul and his body”;
they tell all who will listen, they tell everybody.

Even my friend whom I trusted and fed,
turned his back upon me, and wished I were dead.
Oh Lord have mercy, lift me up from despair,
for this is my vengeance, for which I prepare.

By this I will know that with me you’re well pleased;
when my enemy’s vanquished, and victory I’ve seized.
As for me I know you uphold me with truth;
as you have done from the days of my youth.

Blessed be your Name again and again!
As I say in my prayer, Amen and Amen!