2020 March

Psalm 26

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/01/20

Establish justice for me, Lord,

Because I have done my best.

I've trusted the Lord completely.

Examine me! Put me to the test!

Purify my mind and my heart.

Your love is always in front of me.

Faithfully I walk in your truth.

With liars I don't keep company.

As for me I walk with integrity.

My feet now stand on level ground.

Save me! Have mercy on me!

I will bless the Lord to all around.

Psalm 27

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/02/20

The Lord is my salvation,

Whom should I fear?

The Lord is a fortress.

I fear nothing here.

When evil comes at me,

Trying to end it all.

It's they, my enemies,

Who stumble and fall!

Lord, listen when I cry out.

Have mercy and answer me.

I come to seek your face,

To both be seen and to see.

Lord, teach me your way.

On your good path lead me.

For I have sure faith,

For now and to eternity.

Psalm 28

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/03/20

I cry out to you, Lord, my rock.

Don't refuse to hear me or to talk,

Or I'll be like those going down to the pit.

Listen to my request for mercy when I submit.

I lift my hands when your sanctuary I'm in.

Don't drag me off with those who sin.

The type who talk nice and play the parts,

While evil thoughts are in their hearts.

Pay them back for what they've done.

Pay them back for each evil one.

Pay them back for all they do.

Pay them back that's what they're due.

The Lord is my strength and my shield.

My heart trusts God to whom I yield.

My heart rejoices. I thank God with my song.

The Lord protects us all year long.

Psalm 29

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/04/20

You, heavenly beings! Give to the Lord -

Give to the Lord glory and power!

Give to the Lord the glory due God's name!

Bow down to the Lord in holy splendor!

The Lord's voice is over the waters.

The Lord's glorious voice thunders.

The Lord's voice is strong.

The Lord's voice causes wonders.

The Lord's voice unleashes fiery flames.

The Lord's voice shakes the wilderness.

The Lord's voice convulses the oaks.

It strips forests bare leaving a mess.

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood waters.

The Lord sits enthroned - the kingdom to never cease.

Let the Lord gives strength to the people!

Let the Lord bless the people with peace!

Psalm 30

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/05/20

I exalt you, Lord, for you have raised me up.

You didn't let my enemies celebrate over me.

You healed me when I cried out for help.

From the grave, Lord, you brought me.

God's anger lasts only a moment,

But the Lord's favor lasts all lifelong.

All night we may sometimes weep,

But in the morning joy comes along.

You changed my grieving into dancing.

And removed my funeral attire.

You dressed me up in robes of joy.

Then I might rejoice with your heavenly choir.

Psalm 31

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/06/20

I take refuge in you, Lord.

Never let me be put to shame.

Rescue me by your righteousness.

Listen closely as I call your name.

Deliver me quickly, O Lord.

Be a rock that protects me securely.

Be a strong fortress that saves me.

You are my rock and my fortress surely.

Have mercy on me because I'm depressed.

My vision fails because of my grief.

My life is consumed with sadness.

But I trust you, Lord, for my relief.

I affirm to all you are my God.

My future is securely in your hand.

The Lord protects those who are loyal.

Be strong, take courage and with God stand.

Psalm 32

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/07/20

The one whose wrong is forgiven,

Whose sin is forgiven is blessed.

That one is no longer guilty,

Whose spirit in peace can now rest.

When I kept quiet my bones wore out.

I was groaning all day long.

God's hand was heavy upon me.

My energy was sapped by my wrong.

So, I admitted my wrong to God.

I no longer concealed my guilt.

I confessed my sins to the Lord,

In whom my faith was rebuilt.

The pain of the wicked is severe.

Those who trust the Lord find love.

So, rejoice in the Lord and be glad.

Sing out in joy to God above.  

Psalm 33

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/08/20

All you who are righteous,

Shout to the Lord. Shout higher!

It is right for us to praise the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre.

Sing to God a new song.

Joyfully shout and play your best.

Because the Lord's word is right.

In good faith God's actions are blessed.

All the earth honors the Lord.

All the people stand in awe.

Because when God spoke it happened!

And was pleased with all God saw.  

Psalm 34

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/09/20

I will bless the Lord at all times,

God’s praise will be heard in my voice.

I praise and glorify the Lord,

Let the suffering listen and rejoice.

Magnify the Lord with me.

Together let us lift God's name on high.

I sought the Lord faithfully.

God delivered me after hearing my cry.

Those who look to God will shine,

Their faces are never ashamed.

Suffering people cried out to the Lord,

Who saved them. “Alleluia” they proclaimed.

Taste and see how good the Lord is.

The one who believes is blessed.

You are the holy ones of the Lord,

Because God offers you the best.

Psalm 35

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/10/20

I will rejoice in the Lord.

I will celebrate with an anthem.

God rescues the weak from the strong,

The needy from those who plunder them.

Violent witnesses stand up against me.

They question me about my belief.

They pay me back evil for good,

Leaving me stricken with grief.

How long my Lord will this happen?

From their attacks please come rescue,

Then I will thank you in the great assembly.

In the vast crowd I'll praise you.

I will shout, “the Lord is great!”

Then my tongue will sing a song,

All about your righteousness.

I will proclaim your praise all day long.

Psalm 36

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/11/20

Lord, your love reaches beyond the skies,

Beyond the clouds extends your righteousness.

Your righteousness is like strong mountains,

Like the deepest seas is your justice.

(Chorus)

Extend your faithful love,

To all who worship you.

Extend your righteousness,

To all whose hearts are true.

Lord, you save both humans and animals.

To you all creation joyously sings.

Your faithful love is priceless, Lord.

We find refuge beneath your caring wings.

(Chorus)

We feast on the bounty of your creation.

You let us drink from your river of delight.

Within you wells up the spring of life.

In the glory of your light, we see light.

(Chorus)

Psalm 37

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/12/20

Trust the Lord and do good.

Live in the land and farm faithfulness.

Commit your way to the Lord.

Like the dawn will shine your righteousness.

Be still before the Lord.

Patiently wait, sometimes forever it seems.

Don't get upset when someone else gets ahead,

Someone who invents evil schemes.

The weak will inherit the land.

They will enjoy a surplus of peace.

The little that the righteous have,

Is better than wars that never cease.

The Lord is intimately acquainted,

With the lives of those who are pure.

Their heritage will last forever,

In troubling times their fate is sure.

Psalm 38

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/14/20

My sins are stacked higher than my head.

They are a weight too heavy for me.

I am worn out and completely crushed.

I groan deep in my heart miserably.

(Chorus)

I wait for you, Lord, to answer my call.

I wait for you, Lord, You're my All in all.

I trust in you, Lord, in whom life begins.

I trust in you, Lord. Forgive all my sins.

Everything I desire is laid out before you.

From you, O Lord, aren't hidden my sighs.

My heart pounds, my strength abandons me,

Even the light has gone from my eyes.

(Chorus)

My loved ones and friends keep their distance.

They have abandoned me in my sickness.

Those who were near me stay far away.

Come heal me, Lord, with merciful quickness.

(Chorus)

Psalm 39

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/15/20

I promised I would watch my steps.

So as not to sin with my tongue,

I promised to keep my mouth shut.

I was completely silent - no song sung.

I kept my peace, but it did no good.

My pain got worse and worse.

My heart burned deep inside me,

While stewing over it, I wrote this verse

Psalm 40

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/17/20

I put all my hope in the Lord,

Who leaned all the way down to me.

God heard my cry for help,

And lifted me out of my misery.

Lord, you've done so many things.

You've done such wonderful deeds.

They are too numerous to count,

All the ways you meet our needs.

You don't desire sacrifices or offerings,

To be burnt on the altars fire.

You have given me ears to hear.

Responding to your call is my heart's desire.

So, I said, “Here I am!

I'm inscribed in the written scroll.

I want to do your will, my God.

Your instruction is written on my soul.”

Favor me, Lord, and deliver me.

Lord, come quickly to my aid.

Let those who seek my life,

Be disgraced, their shame displayed.

Psalm 41

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/18/20

Those who pay close attention,

To the poor are truly blessed.

The Lord rescues and protects them,

During the worst of times and best.

Lord will strengthen and heal them,

When they are lying sick in bed.

The Lord will completely transform them,

And place a blessing on each head.

Lord, you support me in my journey.

You are with me in each endeavor.

Bless the Lord, the God of Israel,

From forever to forever!

Psalm 42

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/19/20

As a deer craves for streams of water,

God, my whole being craves for you.

My soul thirsts for the living God.

When will your face come into view?

My tears have been my only food,

In long days and longer nights.

As people ask, “Where is your God now?”

They are constantly picking fights.

I remember these things as I bare my soul,

To God's own house, I made my way.

With joyous shouts and songs of thanks,

A huge crowd celebrated that day.

Why, I ask myself, are you upset inside?

Hope in God and God's pure essence.

Because I will again give God thanks.

My God is my saving presence!  

Psalm 43

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/20/20

Establish justice for me, O God!

Argue my case against this ungodly mess!

Rescue me from the dishonest and unjust!

For you are my God, my protective fortress!

Why do I have to walk around,

Sad and oppressed by my enemy?

Send me your light and your truth,

For they will surely guide me!

  

Let them bring me to your mountain,

To your holy dwelling place.

I will give you thanks with the lyre.

Joy and delight will enlighten my face!

Why, I ask, am I so depressed?

And why am I so upset?

Hope in God! Give thanks and praise.

(The more you give, the more you get!) *  

              * Added by the author

Psalm 44

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/21/20

We have heard it, God, with our own ears.

About it our ancestors told us.

About the deeds you did in their day,

In days long past, in faith, you would enfold us.

By your own hand all nations were removed.

In a homeland, our ancestors you planted.

You crushed all of our enemies.

Our promised land you granted.

It was not by their own swords,

That they took possession of the land.

Their own arms didn't save them,

No, it was your strong arm and hand.  

Psalm 45

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/22/20

A marvelous word has stirred in my heart,

As I mentioned my works to the King.

My tongue is the pen of a skillful scribe,

(My verses the very song I sing.) *

You are the most handsome of men,

Grace has been poured out on your lips.

No wonder God has blessed you forever!

Great Warrior, strap your sword onto your hips.

Go and succeed in your grandeur!

Ride out in truth and righteousness.

Let your strong hand perform wonders.

Let the peoples bow in humbleness.  

Psalm 46

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/23/20

God is our refuge and strength.

In times of great trouble, our God saves!

We do not fear when the world falls apart,

When mountains crumble into watery graves,

When ocean waters roar and rage,

When mountains shake in the surging waves.

There is a river refreshing God city,

The holiest dwelling of the Most High.

God is in that city; it will not fall.

God will help it when morning is nigh.

Nations roar and kingdoms crumble.

The earth melts before God's war cry.

Come see the Lord's mighty deeds.

Upon the earth God has imposed devastation.

Bringing wars to end around the world,

War machines shattered by divine determination.

Be still! And know that God is God.

God is exalted among each nation.

Psalm 47

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/24/20

Clap your hands, all you people!

Shout joyfully to God a joyous shout!

Because the Lord most high is awesome!

The great king of the world all about!

God subdues the nations under us,

Subdues all people beneath our feet.

God chooses our inheritance for us,

The heights of Jacob where our hearts meet.

Sing praises to God! Sing praises!

Sing praises to our king! Sing praises!

Sing praises with a song of instruction!

Because God is king of all places!

The leaders of all people are gathered,

With the people of Abraham's God.

Because the earth's guardians belong to God,

God is exalted both here and abroad.

Psalm 48

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/25/20

In the city belonging to our God,

The Lord is great and worthy of praise!

God's holy mountain is a beautiful summit.

The joy of the whole world is there always.

Look: The kings assembled themselves,

Advancing together, their war plans made.

When they saw it, they were stunned.

They panicked and ran away afraid.

Sing out and tell all generations,

Our God is Lord forever and always.

Our God is the one who will lead us,

Even to the end of all days.  

Psalm 49

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/26/20

Listen closely all people of the world,

All people, rich and poor alike.

My heart's meditation is full of insight.

I'll explain my riddle, which some won't like.

Why should I be afraid in times of trouble?

Some people trust in their abundant wealth.

Wealth can't pay a life's ransom price to God.

(Nor can it guarantee them good health.) *

We all know the wealthy and wise die too.

All of them leave their fortunes behind.

They won't live any longer with wealth.

That's how it goes for fools of this kind.

Like sheep they’re headed straight to their deaths.

Where their forms will waste away in the grave.

But God will rescue me from that fate.

Because God will take me. God will save!  

              * Added by the author

Psalm 50

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/27/20

From the rising of the sun to where it sets,

The Lord God speaks. To the earth God calls.

From Mount Zion, perfect in beauty,

God shines brightly. On all God’s light falls.

Our God is coming and not quietly,

A devouring fire comes before,

And a thunderous storm rages all around,

God calls out to judge the people once more.

God cries out, “Bring my faithful to me,

All those who by sacrifices made covenant.”

The skies proclaim God's righteousness,

For God proclaims divine judgment.

Offer God a sacrifice of thanksgiving!

Fulfill the promises you made to the Lord!

Cry out to God whenever there is trouble,

For God will deliver and peace will be restored.  

Psalm 51

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/28/20

Have mercy upon me, O God.

Wipe away my sins with compassion.

Wash me completely clean of my guilt.

Purify me from all my sin.

I sinned against you alone.

I've committed evil in your sight.

Your verdict is justified.

Your judgment is right.

Create in me a clean heart.

Put a faithful spirit deep inside me.

Don't cast me out of your presence.

May the joy of your Salvation guide me.

Psalm 52

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/29/20

God's faithful love lasts all day long.

Yet some hearts devise destructions,

For they love evil more than good.

They choose lying over God's instructions.

The righteous will see and be in awe.

Amazed that God was not their refuge.

Instead they trusted in their wealth.

Their destruction for this was huge.

But I am like a green tree in God's house.

I trust in God's faithful love always.

I will give thanks to you God forever.

I will hope in your name all of my days.  

Psalm 53

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/30/20

Fools say in their hearts,

“There is no God above.”

They do horrible deeds.

None does anything out of love.

God looks down from heaven,

To see if anyone is wise,

To see if anyone seeks God,

But all have turned their eyes.

Let Israel's hope come from Zion,

When God changes people's fate,

And circumstances turn for the better,

Jacob will rejoice and Israel will celebrate.  

Psalm 54

                        Jeffrey B. Childs 03/31/20

God! Save me by your name.

Defend me by your might.

God! Hear my prayer.

Listen to the words of my plight!

The proud have come against me.

Violent people want me dead.

They pay no attention to God.

Listen to the words I have said.

See, God is my helper.

My Lord sustains my life.

God will defeat my enemies.

God will end my strife.

I will give thanks to you, Lord,

Because you are so good,

Because you have delivered me,

Bringing peace to the neighborhood.