The Beauty of the Psalter

David Koyzis, author of Political Visions and Illusions, has updated his Genevan Psalter page. The website contains metrical psalms with the proper melodies from the Genevan Psalter and other beautiful hymns versified by David. In preparation for my sermon on Psalm 42-43, I have sung this beautiful psalm many times.

As the deer seeks flowing rivers,
so I long for you, O God.
How my soul longs for his presence,
for the ever-living God.
When shall I behold his face
in his holy dwelling place?
Now I feed on tears from weeping,
while they say, “Is your God sleeping?”

All these things I call to memory
and I ponder in my heart:
how I streamed with throngs rejoicing
to his temple’s sacred court.
Why, my soul, be in despair;
why this worry and this care?
Hope in God, my soul’s salvation;
him I’ll praise with jubilation.

When my heart despairs within me,
then will I recall once more,
as the headwaters of Jordan
from the Mount of Herman pour.
Deep to deep roars out its sound,
waves and rapids surging round.
In the day God’s love comes freely,
and at night his song is with me.

To my God, my Rock, I murmur,
“How could you forget me? how?”
All my foes oppress and taunt me:
“Where’s your God?” they ask me now.
Why, my soul, be in despair;
why this worry and this care?
Hope in God, my soul’s salvation;
him I’ll praise with jubilation.

O my God, bring vindication
and defend my worthy cause
from the godless and deceitful
who defy your holy laws.
For you are my refuge strong;
why now let them do me wrong?
Why must I continue grieving
while my foes keep on deceiving?

Send your light and truth to guide me
to your holy dwelling place.
Then will I approach your altar,
singing songs of joyful praise.
Why, my soul, be in despair;
why this worry and this care?
Hope in God, my soul’s salvation;
him I’ll praise with jubilation.

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