PSALM 18 – part 1

God. Abba. Father.

We love you, Yahweh! You are our strength, our rock, our fortress, our shelter, our shield, our safe place. You are where we run to when we’ve run out of places to run. We praise you because you have saved us from death. When we’ve made decisions that were certain to cause great harm to us or those we loved, you have stepped in, forgiven us, and delivered us. You heard our cries for help when we were in trouble. From your holy throne, we had an audience of one with you. Because you love us so!

Your anger is just and holy. The mountains shake. The earth trembles at what you see from on high. God, we know that in the unseen world you move mountains. You swoop in with angels aplenty. You fly on the wings of the wind to bring righteous destruction to those who oppose your holy ways. With bolts of lightning, you rout your enemies, our enemies.

We are truly humbled, Lord, because you lift us up. You reached down from heaven and caught us from drowning in the deep waters of depression, anxiety, stress, failure, poverty, illness. You have made a way to rescue each one of us, because of your great delight in us, your children! Thank you for defending us. Thank you for giving us a fresh start each day. Thank you for rewarding us. We are seen as innocent in your eyes only because of the grace of Jesus!

To the faithful, you show yourself as faithful. To the pure, you show yourself as pure. Thank you for saving those who are humble. But in your right place, you bring low those who are haughty and devious.

Thank you for keeping our lamps burning brightly. Your ways are holy and just. Your glory shines all around. Because of our savior, Jesus.

In whose name we pray.

Amen.