Category / Psalms a Tempo

by jdansmall

Psalm111

worship2Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
With thanks my heart o’erflows
Amazed, I have His works explored
This song for Him composed.

Words can’t describe His glorious deeds
Exploring brings delight
Majestic splendor far exceeds
And all He does is right.

Beyond His works His grace displayed
In mercy doth provide
Keeping the promise He has made
The Lord is on our side.

His every act is good and just
His words forever true
His precepts we must always trust
And earnestly pursue.

He ransomed us, our souls reclaimed
Eternal cov’nant signed
Holy and awesome is His name
Gracious, and good, and kind.

True wisdom comes from fearing God
And walking in His way
Praise Him for’ere, His works applaud
You’ll grow as you obey.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 110

priestThe Lord has said unto my Lord, “Sit down at My right hand
Until I make Your enemies bow down at My command
From Zion You shall rule and reign amidst the enemy
Your troops arrayed in holy garb will serve You willingly.

The Lord has taken up an oath and sworn most solemnly
“As priest in great Melchiz’dek’s line You’ll serve perpetually”
At Your right hand the Lord will stand to judge the earth’s great kings
After the battle be refreshed by water from the springs.

He’ll punish nations, shatter thrones, give You supremacy
Your youth renewed like morning dew each day by His decree
Th’Eternal Sovereign made a vow which none can ever break
Your kingdom will forever last when You the scepter take.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 109

VengeanceDo not be silent, O God of my praise
As deceitful tongues against me are raised
Words filled with hate, tho I’ve done them no wrong
They repay with evil my good all day long.

Display righteous judgment and vengeance on him
Appoint wicked judges to deal with his sin
Let the Adversary stand up and accuse
Bring a guilty verdict, give him his just dues.

So cut his days short, bring an end to his life
His children be orphans, a widow his wife
Give to another his leadership role
His children be beggars with none to console.

Homeless and wandering, with poverty faced
May all his descendants inherit disgrace
The sins of their fathers and mothers remain
Until, once for all, the Lord blots out their name.

With no hint of kindness he hounded the poor
Oppressed the downtrodden their death to ensure
The whole thought of blessing to him was absurd
But cursing came nat’ral, was always preferred.

So now, Adonai, let those curses turn ‘round
Engulf him, consume him, a belt to surround
In this way, O Lord, my accusers repay
Reward those who slander and do not delay.

But deal with me kindly for Your name’s sake, Lord
Because of Your love with deliv’rance reward
Afflicted and needy and wounded within
My strength quickly fading, I’m just bones and skin.

My accusers attack with their scorn and disdain
They taunt, shake their heads, their disgust making plain
So help, Lord my God, in Your love rescue me
And let them all know that it was done by Thee.

While they may be cursing I know You will bless
Reduce those attacking to utter distress
Wrap them in shame, clothe them all with disgrace
And I will rejoice in Your love and Your grace.

Overflowing with thanks I will gladly confess
In the midst of the throng the Lord’s name I will bless
Who stands to defend the unjustly accused
And delivers the poor, helpless, weak, and abused.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 108

grace-and-gloryO God, my heart is set on praise –to lift my voice to You
At break of dawn I’ll sing and play a melody that’s new
All peoples hear my song of thanks, my praises as they rise
To You whose love and faithfulness is higher than the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens
May the radiance of Your glory fill the earth
In the midst of battle, hear, and bring salvation
By Your strong right hand deliver those You love.

In Your holiness You gave Your word of promise
“I’ll divide the land and give each one their portion
Every tribe will know their place and play a role
O’er your foes I cast my shoe and shout in triumph.”

But You, O God, have cast us off and left us on our own
How can we take the fortresses and break through Edom’s walls?
Mere human help is sure to fail, please help against our foes
With You we can do valiantly ‘gainst all who do oppose.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 107

Ocean StormO give thanks unto the Lord for He is good
Showers us with lovingkindness now and evermore
Let all those redeemed from bondage readily confess
Those He gathered from dispersion: north, south, east and west.

Long in desert wastes they wandered looking for a home
Hungry, thirsty, souls were fainting, finally cried for help
He delivered them from troubles, out of their distress
Down a straight path to a city ready to possess.

Oh, that men would thank the Lord for all His wondrous works
With grateful hearts declare His goodness to the sons of earth
He satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry heart
We recount the many blessings that His goodness doth impart.

Once they sat in deepest darkness, in death’s shadow dwelt
Bound with chains and sore afflicted, labored ‘neath the captors whip
This oppression came upon them because they rejected God
Spurned His counsel, disobeyed, then felt the stinging judgment rod.

Down they fell with none to help them, so unto the Lord they called
He, in mercy, broke their chains, and saved them from their deep distress
Oh, that men would thank Him often for all of His wondrous deeds
Gratefully declare His goodness which our evil supersedes.

Fools, in their rebellious ways and sins did often suffer grief
Lost all appetite for food, hopeless, drew near to gates of death
Then cried out to the Lord to save, He sent His word to heal
He once again delivered them, saved from the captor’s heel.

Oh, that men would thank the Lord for all His wondrous pow’r
With grateful hearts declare His goodness to the sons of earth
Sacrifices of thanksgiving let them offer willingly
Much rejoicing for His mercy, mighty works that set them free.

Men who toil on ships at sea, on oceans ply their trade
See the mighty pow’r of God as storms their craft doth shake
Foaming waves that lift them high then plummet to the depths
Staggering like drunken men they fear a certain death.

And as their soul melts in distress, they cry out to the Lord
With swift command He calms the storm, stills waves and guides them home
Oh, that men would thank the Lord who, in His goodness, saves
Exalt His name with all the saints, ‘midst elders shout His praise.

To judge the wicked in their land He sometimes sends a flood
At other times springs are dried up and drought destroys the fields
But for the needy and oppressed He waters thirsty ground
Providing for their crops and herds a harvest that abounds.

He feels the misery and woe the poor must oft endure
So pours contempt on noble lords and makes them wander ‘bout
He lifts the needy from their plight, they flourish like a flock
The righteous see it and rejoice but wicked mouths are stopped.

May all who contemplate this psalm consider what they read
The wise will learn and understand, good counsel they will heed
Observe the lovingkindness and the goodness of the Lord
And choose to walk in humble ways which He will oft reward.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 106

Moses Strikes RockHallelujah! We give thanks to Adonai
Hallelujah! Thank Him for His endless love
Hallelujah! Adonai, our Lord is good

Count His wonders, tell His praise.
Blest are all who walk uprightly
Keeping justice all their days

Lord, with favor look upon me
Count me with Your chosen ones.
Then will I rejoice with gladness
Praising You with all the saints.

We, Your people, have done evil
Sinned against You willfully
Like our fathers down in Egypt
Mindless of Your mighty deeds
Soon forgot Your acts of kindness
And rebelled at the Red Sea.

But for Your name’s sake You saved them
Making known Your mighty pow’r
Led them ‘cross the dried up water
Rescued from their enemies
Then the waters were unfettered
For their foes a watery grave.

Joyful songs, His praises singing
Grateful for His promises
But then quickly they forgot them
Waiting not for Him to guide
In the desert wastes they lusted
Testing God with their complaints.
God relented, granted wishes
But with leanness to their soul

When their leaders they did envy
Moses, Aaron, God’s select
Ground was opened and did swallow
Abiram, Dathan, and their kin
Fire fell upon their foll’wers
And consumed the wicked lot.

Then they made a calf in Horeb
Worshiping a man-made god
They exchanged their God of glory
For an ox that lives on grass.

They forgot the Lord their Savior
Who had done great things for them
Great deliverance from Egypt
And the Red Sea miracle
God decided to destroy them
But His servant, Moses, pled
Asking God to turn from anger
Rescued them from certain doom.

Then they grumbled, wouldn’t enter
Canaan’s pleasant Promised Land
They would not believe God’s promise
Chose instead to doubt His word
That’s when God declared His judgment
In the wilderness they’d die
To the nations they’d be scattered
Since His voice they would not heed.

Then they worshiped Baal at Peor
Fellowshipped with demon-gods
Once again God’s anger stirring
Deadly plague began to spread
Phinehas arose with courage
Interposed to stop the scourge
He will always be remembered
Honored for his righteous deed.

When at Meribah they grumbled
And complained against the Lord
Moses struck the rock in anger
Bringing judgment on himself.

When they finally entered Canaan
Failed to wipe out pagan tribes
Mingled with their evil customs
Worshiped idols, were defiled
Sacrificed their sons and daughters
Filled the land with murd’rous deeds
Adult’rous hearts preferring idols
So God turned His back on them
Gave them over to their enemies
Sent them off to pagan lands
They were crushed by cruel kings.

O’er and over down through hist’ry
God would rescue, they’d rebel
When by sin destroyed and wasted
He would hear their piteous cries
Call to mind His cov’nant promise
Turn again to heal and save
He would change the hearts of captors
Causing kindness to prevail.

Save us, Lord our God, we beg You
Gather us from foreign lands
Then we’ll bless and praise and thank You
Boasting in Your holy name
To the Lord, the God of Israel
Everlasting praises be
Join all peoples in agreement
Hallelujah! and Amen!

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 105

pillar of fireO give thanks unto the Lord and call upon His name
Sing His praises, tell His wonders, spread abroad His fame
Ye who worship Adonai rejoice with gladdened hearts
Never cease to seek His presence and His strength He will impart.

Call to mind His countless wonders, untold marvels, wise decrees
Sons of Jacob, all His chosen, come before Him, bend your knees
He, the Lord our God, is righteous, faithful to His promises
For a thousand generations He will do just what He says.

Once He promised Canaan’s portion as their lasting heritage
Abra’m, Isaac, Jacob, Israel –wand’rers on a pilgrimage
God preserved them and protected “touch not My anointed ones”
Warning kings of foreign nations not to harm His chosen sons.

As His sov’reign plan unfolded, Canaan’s famine caused them grief
But He sent ahead a savior who would bring them much relief
Joseph, sold as slave in fetters, down to Egypt bound with chains
Tested, tried, and oft rejected, in dark prisons he remains.

Then, when time had reached its fullness, he would see his dreams come true
Pharaoh made him prince of Egypt, wise men sought his point of view
Then it was in Ham they settled, Jacob’s humble tribe of few
There they prospered and were hated as their numbers grew and grew.

Over time they were subjected to oppressive slavery
God had turned the hearts of Egypt planning their delivery
Moses, Aaron, chosen servants, worked His signs and wonders there
Caused the captors grievous troubles driving them to deep despair.

When the land was cloaked in darkness, Egypt would not set them free
Water turned to blood around them, frogs and flies, a scourge of fleas
Hail and light’ning shattered trees and hordes of locusts ate their fields
Hardened hearts would not surrender, still to God they would not yield.

Then the firstborn sons of Egypt, pride and joy of every home
Were the object of death’s angel, Israel now was free to roam
Throughout all the tribes of Israel no one stumbled or was hurt
Egypt gave them all their treasures, having earned their just deserts.

Out they went with cloud to shield them, fiery pillar lit night skies
Quails and manna, food from heaven, water from a rock supplies
Faithful to His sacred promise, out they came with joyful songs
Eating crops they had not planted, now the land to them belongs.

All these things the Lord accomplished, faithful to His covenant
As He promised Abraham with sacred oath and testament
So these loved and chosen people would His will and laws obey,
Follow closely all His teachings, from His precepts never stray.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!  All God’s children sing His praise!
Shout for joy, recount His blessings, to His throne your voices raise!

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 104

How GreatBless the Lord, O my soul
Sing His praise, His might extol
Bless the Lord, O my soul
Note His wonders on your scroll.

Lord my God, how great Thou art
Clothed with glory, set apart
Robed in light and majesty
Stretching out the galaxies.

Make the heavens Your abode
Ride the clouds, on winds You strode
Sending angels with Your word
Wind and fire Your servants gird.

Built the earth’s foundations firm
It shall stand unmoved long-term
Once with flooding waters filled
O’er the mountain tops they spilled.

Then, at Your command they fled
Heard Your thund’ring voice and sped
Mountains, valleys, and the sea
Took their place at Your decree.

Set their bound’ry at the shore
That the earth may flood no more
Springs and streams You have dispersed
That the beasts may quench their thirst.

And the birds sing in the trees
With Your works the earth is pleased
Cattle graze, men till the soil
Wine makes glad, the fruit of toil.

‘Mongst the trees birds make their home
High on mountains goats can roam
Trees and cliffs each play their role
Sun and moon ‘neath Your control.

Darkness comes young lions prowl
Then, at dawn, in dens they sprawl
With the rising of the sun
People off to work must run.

Your creation doth amaze
Such variety displays
Earth and seas with creatures fill
Displays wisdom, pow’r, and skill.

Ships can sail o’er ocean waves
‘Neath them great Leviathan plays
All You made on You relies
You supply and satisfy.

When You take away their breath
Then they lie in dust of death
But the face of earth renews
When Your breath new life imbues.

May Your glory long endure
All You made bring much pleasure
At Your touch the mountains smoke
Trembling quakes Your glance evokes.

All my life my song I’ll raise
My last breath will be to praise
May these thoughts bring Him delight
And be pleasing in His sight.

Depart ye sinners from God’s earth
You know not the Lord’s great worth
With great joy I will extol
Bless the Lord with all my soul.

Hallelujah!  Praise the Lord
By creation now adored
Blessings, praises we impart
Lord our God, how great Thou art.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 103

Ps 103Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And give it all you’ve got
Bless the Lord, O my soul
Let His blessings fill your thoughts.

All iniquities forgives
Heals your body, makes you live
Lifts you up when you are down
With His love your head doth crown
Fills with good that satisfies
Strength of eagle’s wings, you fly.

Vindicates all those oppressed
Gives His children what is best
Always merciful and kind
Slow to wrath with grace combined
Does not chide or hold a grudge
Not revengeful, won’t misjudge.

Mercy high as heav’ns above
All who fear Him know His love
Far as east is from the west
All our sins from us divests
Like a gentle, caring dad
Shows compassion, is not mad.

We are dust, He knows our frame
For our weakness does not blame
Like a flower of the fields
To the wind our glory yields
But His steadfast love is sure
And forever will endure.

All who honor Him below
Steadfast love from Him will know
Children’s children will be blest
And inherit righteousness
Richest blessings He will heap
On all who His cov’nant keep.

Adonai rules from His throne
As the king He shall be known
Mighty angels all obey
Bless the Lord without delay
All His hosts who do His will
Bless Him, all His words fulfill.

Bless the Lord, O my soul
All creation join in, too
Bless the Lord, O my soul
Such great things He’s done for you.

© 2014  J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 102

Ps 102O Lord, please hear my prayer
Don’t hide Your face from me
My soul is in despair
Won’t You respond quickly?

Like smoke my life doth fade
My bones burn like a fire
Alone, I am afraid
For food I’ve no desire.

Withered to skin and bones
Like grass that’s turned to hay
I cry out with loud groans
Taunted both night and day.

I lie awake in pain
Deserted and alone
My enemies profane
They mock, curse, and disown.

The ashes are my bread
My drink is mixed with tears
Your anger is my dread
Rejected in my fears.

Like evening shadows pass
My life will soon be gone
Wither and dry like grass
But You, O Lord, live on.

O Lord, Your throne fore’er endures
This truth, for Zion, hope secures
‘Tis time for You to pity her
Arise and Your compassion stir.

When You appear in glorious might
Nations will fear at the dread sight
When Zion sees Your glory bright
This answered prayer will bring delight.

Record this now so heirs will know
Your children’s children praise the Lord
From heav’n He looked on earth below
The pris’ners groans were not ignored.

Declare His Name in Zion’s gates
As nations gather, sing His praise
His glorious deeds each one relates
They serve the Lord through all their days.

When life was going well
The Lord my strength did break
Could this be my death knell
With half my life at stake?

“Have mercy, God,” I said
“Don’t take my life from me
“It’s just half-gone,” I pled
You dwell eternally.

In the beginning earth You made
The heav’ns Your hands did set in space
Like worn out clothes they soon will fade
They’ll pass away and be replaced.

Your years, O Lord, shall never end
Forever You remain the same
On You our children can depend
And their heirs, too, with You shall reign.

© 2014  J Dan Small