Poems From the Psalms

I have started writing a collection of poems based on the psalms. I intend to write one from every single Psalm so that in the end there will be at least 150. I will add them as I complete them.

They are not necessarily intended to be just a rewriting of the psalms themselves (though some are more literal expressions of a specific psalm), but more of a personal embrace of the psalms that have led me to apply them in my life and write about them in a manner that is relevant to me. This blog has always been intended to drive people to use the pslams more and more and in hopes that the Lord would use that to give us hearts that are growing daily in grace and piety. This is me sharing an example of that in my own life.

If I have not produced the style of poetry you are inclined to enjoy, then please forgive me. But hopefully in the least I will inspire you to embrace this blessed book of the Bible just as the most pious generations of Christians have always done.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 1

O how blessed is the man

Who has been saved through God’s grace;

The lure of the wicked he withstands,

And has been freed from their devilish ranks.

Blessed is the man of God,

Who loves His law with all his heart,

Who dreams of being where angels trod,

And knows his Lord will not depart.

Blessed is the justified man,

Who flourishes by streams of splendor,

Never thirsty or apt to pant,

Sustained and fed by God’s word.

Blessed is the man the Lord has known,

Whose affections are no longer impious,

Who happily bows before God’s throne,

Now numbered with the righteous.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 2

Lord, how can I write my thoughts on you?

Inadequate they are through and through.

How can I show my love in a poem such as this?

When every word is but a speckle in a great abyss?

In a fragmented life you are the greatest part,

How can I convey this with words or in art?

I cannot, I must admit, my precious Lord,

Convey how deeply in this life you’re adored.

In a poem I cannot reasonably articulate your priceless gift,

Between my heart and my pen there is a rift.

Your condescending love came with such a great price

So in awe I merely thank you for your Son Jesus Christ.

In wonder I stand amazed that a man such as I

Would be pardoned his sin and his destruction passed by,

I love you, I thank you, I Kiss the Son,

My words are a sacrifice for the omnipotent One.

Happily I am…

Grateful for gracious giving of grace,

Omnipresent occupier of time and of space,

Delivering daily the damned from their sin,

Saving the wretched, like me, from the state they are in.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 3

O my Lord in Heaven,

I have failed to serve you well,

I yearn to please you every day,

But seem to fail in every way.

What good can I find within myself?

I have been burdened throughout my days.

I glory in you and you alleviate harms,

I rest so easily in your righteous arms.

I was lost; so many times and in so many ways,

I was a wreck… a shell of a man,

But when I cried to you you heard my voice still,

And descended to me from your holy hill.

I have no hope without you,

I desire nothing but you,

When with a broken heart I implored,

You inclined your face to answer: salvation is from the Lord.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 4

Though the days can be so hard my Lord,

Though my burdens mount upon me,

Still I find my joy in you,

And I wallow in sweet serenity.

Though I see men glory in self,

Though they flourish and feed their lust,

Still, my Lord, I am fully content,

And in you I place my trust.

Though troubles press in from every side,

Though the wicked surround and creep,

Because you are my God,

I will both lie down in peace and sleep.

For though I am weak in self,

And though the world engage me,

You are an impenetrable shield,

And you, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 5

I wish my Lord that it was true,

That I hated sin as much as you,

Not just in the world around,

But in my heart where it is found.

You, my God, abhor my sin,

Yet through your Son you called me in,

And though evil cannot approach your throne,

You have not, will not, leave me alone.

The thanks I feel cannot match,

Where your grace replaced your wrath,

I am worthy to be burned by fire,

But my Savior’s blood diverts your ire.

In wonder I wish to praise your name,

And wish that all would do the same,

For you are holy and full of grace,

The Creator of the human race.

Now and always forgive my sin,

Be longsuffering with the state I’m in,

And sanctify me forevermore,

You are my precious sovereign Lord.

Forget me not on that last day,

Since my guilt has been washed away,

For in that day, the true start of my story,

I and the saints come home in glory. Amen.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 6

Have mercy on me O Lord!

I am a weak man laden with sin,

Persevere me in your grace,

And I will win the fight I’m in.

Do not rebuke me dear Lord I pray,

Though I deserve your hot displeasure,

Lord I long to be found in your favor;

Therein is my most cherished treasure.

It seems like a long time ago now my Lord,

When crisis stood before me daily;

My faith was shaken and my soul was grieved,

It seemed that every foe would slay me.

But you stood firm and proved your love,

And now I need you here as always,

I cannot make these troubles flee

Yet I trust in you to secure my days.

Return O Lord and deliver me

As only you can do;

I am a weak man laden with sin,

But my heart resides with you.

Please relieve my burdens,

Please cast them far away,

Please give me the peaceful sleep tonight,

That comes from a sanctified day.

I know that you have heard me,

Through the pleading of your Son,

And now I look up and wait,

Content your will be done.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 7

In you, my God, I put my trust.

On you, my God, I depend.

To you, my God, my heart is thrust,

Through grace, my God, you will defend.

Conform me to your holy Son,

And prove that I am yours,

And if I have wronged anyone,

Please cleanse me until I’m pure.

But if the charge is truly false,

Then you my just God will shield me,

For I know that you will purge the dross,

As you deal with the wicked daily.

In you, my God, I am at peace.

On you, my God, I lean.

To you, my God, my heart flees,

Through grace, my God, I’m clean.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 8

How amazing is the Christ!

Even His name is above a price.

His glory soars to heavens high,

And never fails as years pass by.

The wicked plot and scheme;

Of His demise they dream.

But with an omnipotent word,

His truth prevails and will be heard.

Loud they shout against my Lord!

Staging a fight they can’t afford;

Come you wicked, bring yourselves out!

My great Lord will silence your mouth!

See the beauty of the work of His hands?

Without Him nothing exists, nothing stands.

All things are subject to Christ!

Hosanna… Hosanna in the highest!

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 9

If I were to write of all that had been done,

Of every instance the Lord had saved me,

I would fill unspeakable volumes,

For He supplies me daily!

I leaned on Him and He provided;

And so I never live without.

Forevermore I will rely on Him;

Yes, on my God without worry or doubt.

I begged for mercy and He’s heard me,

He’s never given more than I can bear;

I asked for escape and He opened the door,

My precious Lord is always there.

Though I hear the voice of trouble still,

I know that He is near,

No longer will I be found with the anxious,

Riddled with deplorable fear.

I will praise Him with all my heart!

I will tout what He has done,

I will be content with where I am,

Until I’m finally with the Son.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 10

How many times my sinful heart deceived me,

Wondering at the wicked, callous and worry free.

All their success comes like sun in the early morn,

Sure and true, without heartache, struggle, or scorn.

Everything with ease, they frolic through this world,

My heart broke as my troubles were unfurled.

So many things I thought were too hard to bear,

Knowing that my precious Lord had put them there!

“Why?” I cried, “Lord, please tell me why!”

“The pure in heart must come to me and must be truly tried.”

Then I begged forgiveness, and leaned on Him to purge,

All the filthy sin that gave root to such blasphemous urge.

He turned my eyes to heaven, and told me I must wait,

For in eternity I will be full as I dine at His marvelous plate.

But they have all they want today and never anything more,

My sure hope points to heaven and eternity with my Lord.

Surely I must cry with David, “Arise O Lord, King forever and ever!

Come and carry the pious home with bonds that can’t be severed.

You will hear the humble hearts that cry out loud to you,

And ease the pain of our hearts with your love so pure and true.”

I am free! I am free! To stand bold for my Lord in this land,

I know that I am safe in His gloriously magnificent hand!

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 11

O Lord, incline your face to me,

Send forth your favor and I will be free.

Shield me, and I will find safety.

Spare me from the sting of your rod,

Give me a glimpse of where the righteous trod,

Then secure me in their ranks my precious God.

My Lord, embolden me where I am,

Against the legions of evil strengthen my stand,

Hold me, now and always, in your mighty hand.

When you destroy the evil, whom you have hated,

Please remember your son so weak and frustrated;

Just as in the day when your wrath was abated.

You have given me grace, and that is priceless,

I give thanks that you love the righteous,

And that you sustain us through every crisis.

Thank you my sovereign Lord.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 12

I have been pained to see

The world crumble around me.

On every side the wicked rule,

And they all despise you!

But more than that I find a fault,

Not in the world, but where the wicked are not.

For in the confines of your church,

Christians are lying in the lurch.

Ready to pounce and devour a heart,

With their vicious teeth they rip it apart,

Then smile with a pious grin,

Content with the wicked state they are in.

O how they prowl on every side,

Their gaping throats are open wide,

Hoping to be fed on the misery of others,

While shaking their hands and calling them brothers.

Evil is exalted amongst our ranks,

Poison injected from all of these snakes.

Orthodoxy is but a fanciful dream,

And love, sweet love, lost like water to steam.

Yet this is nothing novel or new,

Over and over man has discarded what is true.

But now surely you will rise,

To preserve the apple of your eye.

We are doomed without reform,

Let not this wickedness be the norm,

But that your glory may transform us all from our sin,

May your Spirit be poured out yet again. Amen.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 13

My patience is often lacking,

And this time is not unique,

I wonder when the Lord will hear me,

For I have trusted in His mercy.

Assaults come from every side,

From within my heart and without,

At times I’m like a failing nation,

So, Lord, I rejoice in my salvation.

For therein I know I will be saved,

That you will not forget your child,

In this, instill a sure hope in me,

As another fruit of your glorious bounty.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 14

I am no different than they my Lord,

I am a sinner through and through,

O! how my sin must pain

That holy heart within you!

But you have saved me from my sin,

The wages of which are death,

Where I was fit to be destroyed,

By just one blow of your powerful breath.

And Lord I know they revile you every day,

It pains me to see and hear it occur;

Yet all that I could do alone to turn them,

Would be but a pitiful attempt at a cure.

But with your power to guide my heart,

The Gospel will flow across my tongue,

And reach the hearts of all the elect,

To save each and every one.

So bless my life I pray,

To lead others to your feast,

For I have been where they are now,

And deserve your love the least.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 15

Who can enter into your home dear God?

Who can say they are truly worthy?

For all have sinned and fall short of glory,

As is seen in all of history.

We need something we cannot give,

Something beyond ourselves alone,

A Savior for our sins to atone,

Found only in your Son.

Then we are no longer guests

When you draw the curtain on the play,

And as true heirs we will stay,

With the stain of our sin wiped away.

Through Jesus Christ alone,

Our worth is thankfully measured,

And with visions of opulent splendor,

We are now permitted to enter.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 16.1

Nothing, less than nothing,
Worthy to be burned,
Not unjustified self-loathing,
My condemnation has been earned.

I am nothing without you Lord,
A man full of sin in his heart,
And where the grapes of wrath are stored,
A hefty bunch should be my part.

But you, you my Lord, are all I ever need,
You my precious Savior sustain me every day;
When my wounded soul would bleed,
You have carried my sins away.

Therefore I do not live mired in sorrow and gloom,
Nor worry for my soul,
I trust you have allowed me in your room,
Where the saints rest is surely whole.

Where Christ is found I will be,
I will follow His path throughout,
And revel in His majesty,
With a hope that obliterates doubt.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 16.2

Death, death, death! Where is your sting to be found?
My Lord has conquered all you are,
Your call makes a horribly pitiful sound!

Death, death, death! You are no longer a problem for me,
My Lord has crushed you,
And once and for all there is finally victory.

Death, death, death! You are hoping for my soul,
But my God would not suffer Christ,
To be left with the doom of Sheol.

Death, death, death! I mock at your impotent plea!
The power of what my Lord has done,
Gives me life for eternity.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 17

Keep me as the apple of your eye,
And never leave me lonely,
For without you I will surely die.
Dear God, I depend on you only.

Secure me in the crevice of your wing,
Like a mother hen with babes,
Lull me with the music angels sing;
Comfort, like a beach caressed with waves.

My hope is far beyond this place,
And it strengthens my anxieties daily,
For a time will come when I will see your face,
And worship you with genuine gaiety.

In that day, this life will not compare,
With your glory that rises above it,
With all of the saints collected there,
I will have the joy I covet.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 18

Lord, burdens come at times in waves,
Wicked men now facing the pews,
The higher ranks perform as knaves,
And advance the rampant abuse.

But I have loved you with all my heart,
And I know that deliverance will be;
For to vindicate the righteous is your part,
And your justice will make me free.

For you, my Lord, are an impenetrable rock,
A fortress looming above,
I trust in you to care for the flock,
With your perfect and inexhaustible love.

You have been a shield throughout my life,
I know that will not change,
No matter the burdens or the strife,
You remain the source of my strength.

I will call upon you now and always,
And will be saved from the edge of their knife,
My precious Savior worthy of praise,
You thankfully sustain my life.

Always, I am indebted to receive your…

Love poured down upon my head,
Obliterating the sting of these woes;
Verily, I should long be dead,
Except you deflect their blows.

------------------------------------------------------

Psalm 19

The exquisite splendor of the earth,
Amazes the heart within me,
And shows the mighty hand of God,
Who adorns it all with beauty.

To see the sun kissing the sky,
As it peeks from a notch in the mountain,
To hear the oceans slap the sand,
Filled by invisible fountains.

To dream by bubbling brooks,
To hear the serenade of birds,
Is to see that chance could never speak,
With such perfectly eloquent words.

All of this and more,
Points to my God above,
And showers all the earth,
With a taste of His plentiful love.

But it is not there that my Lord has ceased,
For He blessed us with His law eternal,
Which strikes the cancerous heart within,
So that grace may leave a pearl.

All the ways of the Lord
Bring comfort to the pious,
And cause great joy to abound,
Even when evils try us.

All of this He left for us,
A treasure worth more than gold,
Filling even the largest vaults
When He brings us into the fold.

O praise the Lord in all His glory!
Who has cleansed the filthiest saint,
And upholds them always in His grace,
Lest their wicked hearts would faint.

May one word I’ve spoken in my life
Be a blessing to you my King,
You are my hope, my strength, my all,
My Savior in whom I'm redeemed.

--------------------------------------------------

Psalm 20

God will hear His children when they cry,
Rip them from evil lest they die,
Accept them in His palace high;
Comfort their hearts when they sigh.
Erasing all doubts He blesses the weak,
And gives them the salvation that they seek,
By grace the proud are finely meek;
Outlook no more dreary and bleak.
Under no worry of the devil’s blow,
Now trusting in God’s omnipotent bow,
Drawn and ready as the righteous know;
Safe are the saints here below.

--------------------------------------------------