A number of months ago, I sent Linda Bonney Olin a list of 40-some Psalms for which I still need to compose music, asking if she would contribute some new Psalm texts. She responded within days, attaching four of her lyrical creations. This is the third song from this recent collaboration, and I think it has turned out swimmingly!
Psalm 64 portrays the author as being hunted down by the wicked. Not only that, the hunters are arrogant, asking themselves, “Who will see it?” The Psalmist assures us that God will see it, and will ultimately punish them for their evil deeds. Now, this kind of final justice makes for exciting movie plots, but doesn’t necessarily sing well. And it isn’t likely to inspire warm spiritual fuzzies.
Linda does a great job of faithfully transforming the Psalm into a modern song. She begins with a cry for refuge–haven’t we all been there?–and ends with praise for God’s unfailing help. In between, she is honest about the damage wicked schemes can do, but she focuses on the ultimate justice and protection God gives us. This is a message we need to hear now more than ever. In a time that we’re all swimming in a sea of lies and malice, it is important to remember that God stills sees our deeds and judges our hearts fairly.
- I lift my voice to you, O God.
My help and refuge be!
Defend me from the enemies
who seek to ruin me.
They wield their tongues like sharpened swords.
Their words like arrows fly.
Protect me from their secret plans.
My God, please hear my cry! - Without a scruple or a fear,
the wicked ones attack.
Their ambush falls so swift and sure,
their prey cannot fight back.
So cunningly their snares are laid
to trap the blameless one,
they boast that none will ever learn
the vicious things they’ve done. - But God knows all their spiteful thoughts,
unravels all their schemes.
The evildoers, God brings down.
The just ones, God redeems.
Rejoice in God’s unfailing help,
you innocent of heart!
The world will see and be amazed,
for God will take your part.