Psalm 30—No night tears can stop the birds and bells of dawn singing every morning.

Rendition of Psalm 30

I ran scared for a long time,
Wanting to be safer than I was.
I made narrow escapes but couldn’t 
Quite shake what hounded me.
I cried for help, for healing,
For answers, for anything.
You heard me. You gave me
My life back. You hid me 
In a quiet place only because I asked—
But it was years before I could see it.

People of God, if the Lord has been your help, 
Raise up whatever song you have.
He is a whirlwind and a harrow 
But you can’t shake him.
His love lasts the night and all life long.
He knows how to wait;
Take as long as you need.
No night tears can stop the birds
And bells of dawn singing every morning.
Like fireseed, sorrow tills the soil
Where supple flowers grow.

When I prospered, I promised myself
That I would always prosper, 
That I would never slip.
I grew bright on limelight.
My life was mirrors, and everything
Mimicked my gestures but never touched.
I scooped laughter into my lap
And every hope came by the handful.
But it was all hung on the braided
Thread of your favor. My promises
Came to nothing when you hid your face.
The faith I thought was anvils
Was only an easy season
That let half truths gather, 
And stagger around in masquerade.
You lifted the mask away,
And I was dismayed.

Lord, have mercy.
We both know I was battered, barely
Able to drag grief-riddled prayers
Across your threshold,
And I am not out of my straits yet.
What good is my life 
If it becomes no different than death?
Was I not scared enough already?
Do the dead praise you?
Do they tell stories to one another 
Of your faithfulness as they lie 
Side by side in the dust?

Show me your smile and this cathedral 
Chest will breathe again, will sing.
Make me rise and walk, 
And these stumbling will feet tap out a tattoo, 
Even sketch the steps of a silly dance. 
End the sackcloth season and give 
Me gladness back in double draughts.
When the dirge days end,
When I am safe again,
I will not be silent.
My life will be my thanks forever.

Psalms: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 46, 50, 51, 53, 54, 62, 63, 65, 66, 73, 74, 75, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 100, 107, 110, 114, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 137, 139, 140, 142, 147, 148.

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