Psalm 119 (A Paraphrase)

i.

Happy the one whose ways are pure,

Who seeks for God with all his heart;

O, that like that same one I were,

To never from your ways depart:

       But all your righteousness to prove,

       And all your nature praise and love.

ii.

How can I still be free from sin,

And still not wander from your side?

Your words I must digest within,

And in my heart your wisdom hide:

       Your righteous words my thoughts shall prove,

       Your ways I’ll wonder at and love.

iii.

Open my eyes afresh to see

The wonders of my Saviour’s blood!

Love of the world remove from me,

Fill all my soul with love of God:

       My soul will then delight to prove

       And praise the height and depth of love.

iv.

How weak I am, O God, how weak!

I cling to you for strength and hope;

Pour out your Spirit here, and speak

“Child” to my soul and raise me up:

       Your child I am, and I will prove

       My Father’s power and praise His love.

v.

To please you is my heart’s desire,

But still on you I must depend;

‘T is all your work! You must inspire,

Teach, give, incline, establish, end:

       The work you started, Lord, improve;

       My work is to believe and love

vi.

The living word, Lord Jesus, give;

Your gospel on my lips anoint,

That I may speak, and they receive,

Who to believe you shall appoint:

       How gracious then your words shall prove,

       Which I shall ever, ever love.

vii.

Your promises are friends and dear

Whenever times of hardship come;

Memories of you are songs of cheer

That make me feel, though here, at home:

       How wonderful it is to prove

       And praise your faithfulness and love!

viii.

My portion you! Your favour mine!

Your mercies how they energize!

I cannot sleep, I rise and shine—

At midnight I will shine and rise:

       Your grace in every hour I prove,

       And day and night I praise your love.

ix.

Some have their wealth in treasure told,

In good things their security;

But in your gospel is my gold,

And to be yours is luxury:

       I once was lost, but now I prove

       The riches of your grace and love.

x.

O you who made me, bear the same,

And tender mercies ever give;

Still gladden those who fear your name—

Speak, Lord! I will not die, but live:

       Display in me till others prove

       The joy and kindness of your love.

xi.

Jesus! My strength and spirit faint;

The smoke of sin chokes off my breath;

But speak your word, support your saint,

And I will stand and keep the faith.

       The truth of my redemption prove:

       Let nothing keep me from your love!

xii.

Forever-and-forever-God,

Whose word set heaven and earth in place,

Your servant, I am fallen and flawed,

A dying runaway from grace:

       O save me! My redemption prove!

       Consume me with your perfect love!

xiii.

Your perfect law of liberty

Has made me to salvation wise,

The wisdom of the world to see

For all the folly that it is:

       Sweet Spirit! Teach me still to prove

       The more-than-honey of God’s love.

xiv

Your word, the lamp that lights my way,

Let me confess and not forget;

So shall I walk and never stray,

And stand though snares my path beset:

       You won my heart your ways to prove—

       I find them everlasting love.

xv.

Judge of the earth—my covering shield—

All shall before your throne appear;

Just as I am, by grace upheld,

I bow in awe and reverent fear:

       For your great justice all must prove,

       But I am hidden in your love.

xvi.

Be merciful to me, O Lord,

A sinner saved to righteousness;

Stand up for me, enact your word—

Take Satan down—your servant bless:

       All who do wickedly reprove,

       And set on high the ones you love.

xvii.

My longing soul is wonder-filled

For darkness that has turned to light;

You looked on me, and grace revealed,

And sin’s dominion put to flight:

       O, break my heart for those who prove

       They do not understand your love.

xviii.

Righteous you are in all you say,

Righteous you are in all you do,

Righteous forever and always,

Righteous and faithful, pure and true:

       Though tempted oft to faithless prove,

       Still le me feel your zealous love.

xix.

I cry to you with passionate cries;

I cry to you, I know you hear;

Late when I wake or early rise,

I cry to you, and find you near:

       My saving help you always prove;

       I know, I know that you are love.

xx.

Eternal words of life you have—

I would not, would not turn away;

Still plead my cause, your servant save,

And I shall never swerve or stray:

       Revive me, and in mercy prove,

       The truth and kindness of your love.

xi.

O, joy and treasure of my days,

I love you, and I stand in awe;

Receive with every hour the praise

That wonder from my lips must draw:

       My hopes no disappointment prove

       While you pour out the peace of love.

xii.

Pour out your Spirit still on me

Till praise on praise pours from my tongue;

Give your salvation liberally,

And it shall tune my thankful song:

       My patient helper ever prove,

       My seeking, saving, God of love.

 

2018