Psalm 32 is one of the psalms of penitence (the second after Ps. 6; this theme takes up the first half of the song), but also of refuge -- "You are my hiding-place" (vv. 6 -7). Then it changes direction, breaks into other riffs of guidance or wisdom (8-9) and finally thanksgiving. Of the seven traditional penitentials, David in this song is … Continue reading Psalm 32, 5 March 2017
Tag: refuge
Psalm 2, 26 Feb17
Psalm 2 complements the first psalm as a joint introduction to the Psalter with the assurance that the divine Spirit, with inevitably associated moral and behavioural constructs inferred from the Torah, is supreme above temporal rulers of the world. While this theme has ancient roots in the stories of creation and the establishment of the tribes … Continue reading Psalm 2, 26 Feb17
Psalm 27, 22 Jan 2017
This psalm offers encouragement in difficult times, weaving together two contrasting but commanding threads. First is the imagery of light, beauty and goodness. Calling to mind references to the 'light of the world' (John 8:12) and 'light upon my path' (Psalm 119:105), it is a theme found in many psalms. Many readers will be familiar with the opening verse: "God is my light and … Continue reading Psalm 27, 22 Jan 2017
Psalm 61
Divine standards of perfect love and peace seem far off and unattainable in a world full of strife, refugees, war and deceit: As high as heaven is above the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways (Is. 55:9) The good news in the psalms, here and in other songs like 31, is that … Continue reading Psalm 61
Psalm 57
As in Psalm 14, 39 and so many others -- David asks for mercy and sings the blues when he hid in a cave from enemies 'with sharp tongues' who 'dug a pit' for him. As he hides in the cave, David imagines the parallel of divine love as refuge for the soul. If you think you have seen … Continue reading Psalm 57
Psalm 129
The tenth of the Psalms of Ascent (text) regrets the oppression of the people of God. The psalmist recognises that God is the source of goodness but seeks shame on the oppressor. At the distance of some millenia, it's easy to suggest sniffily that he or she should have been more forgiving of Israel's enemies. However, the psalm was … Continue reading Psalm 129
Psalm 46
This is one of those short songs studded with some quite memorable lines, such as: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble (v.1) There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God (v.4) Be still then, and know that I am God (v.10) It also has … Continue reading Psalm 46
Psalms 42, 43, 19 June 16
Australians, at least those who live or travel anywhere near the open dry spaces of this continent, know what thirst is all about. Indigenous plants and animals evolved to survive through hot summers and droughts. Aboriginal people were expert at finding water in dry creek beds, trees and grasses. For Sooner or later in a … Continue reading Psalms 42, 43, 19 June 16
Psalm 5; 12 June 16
Recognise this? Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, that makest me dwell in safety. It's a paraphrase of Psalm 5:8 by Samuel Wesley, sometimes used as a short sung prayer. Both words and tune are compelling, although in … Continue reading Psalm 5; 12 June 16
Psalms 44, 53 and 55
These three psalms tell of moments of grief, fear, shame or anger caused by conflict of one sort or another. While they all on first reading have a flavour of violence, and all are omitted from the weekly lectionary readings, they should not be ignored. They actually argue for reliance on divine truth and protection rather than the sword. … Continue reading Psalms 44, 53 and 55
Psalms in the South 