In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,
While God is marching on!

. . . from the BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Serenity: Psalm 103

I've been much distracted the last few days with work, winter weather, and other mundane things, and haven't found time to do my usual extended post. I've had trouble thinking of simpler, briefer things to post about, but in a chance foray onto YouTube looking for something else, I stumbled on the following gem: a video presenting Psalm 103--one of my favorites--set to two beautiful hymns played on guitar ("O God Our Help in Ages Past" and "Nearer My God to Thee"), and a series of lovely pictures of a quiet lake. Take about 8 minutes and calm your soul with this beautiful presentation.


In case you weren't able to read all of the text in this video, here is Psalm 103 in full--speaking the most wondrous truths there are:
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children' children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

1 comment:

It's A Wonderful said...

That's really beautiful. I looked up at the crescent moon last evening, at dusk, and experienced a closeness with God just looking at it. The moon was positioned so that it looked like a smile. It filled me with a peaceful joy. I just love it when God gives me a reaffirmation.