Psalms in Metre

I am FAR from a poetry snob. (No offense anyone) Generally, I just don't get it.  Sure, I enjoy Whitman, Blake, and my personal favorite e. e. cummings.  But one collection I truly appreciate is the Psalms of David in Metre.

It is a truly obscure collection to lay your mitts on, but, thanks to the wonders of the internet, it is available online (link above).  It brings a new appreciation to the Psalms.  It reads like poetry (yes, it rhymes), but it stays very consistent with the Psalms.  It was originally published in 1775 and includes the author's (John Brown of Haddington) notes on the individual Psalms.

I first found this work when I was using the program e-Sword for Bible study several years ago.  I have never forgotten this particular work and off and on have referred to it when I have been in the mood to sing (poorly, I might add) the Psalms.  While the original tempo and rhythm of the psalms in Hebrew are unknown, I would just go with how I was feeling and the "message" of the psalm.  Psalms of praise are usually much more up tempo than the pleas for help (at least in my shiny little world).

At times I often wish I was more musically talented (yes, I was a musician-ish in my younger days and did turn down a music scholarship out of high school since I realized I would end up stuck teaching music which is NOT my forte), because I would really like to set them to music.  So if any of you are gifted in this manner, PLEASE do so and let me know.  I would gladly purchase this work.

I find this work a wonderful companion to any study in the Psalms, as the author's notes are very good and help to set the mood of the work.  And knowing the context surrounding the individual Psalm and researching that instance helps complete a study.

I hope this little tidbit encourages you to look up this work and dig into the Psalms.  It is truly one of my favorite books in the Bible, as there is always something there when I need it.

By the way, I received my course work for this "term" from the Seminary I enrolled.  I was VERY excited to see a course in the Psalms included.  I will let you know my thoughts when I start digging into the courses.

I admit it, I'm needy.

Total Honesty Time.

I am a sad, desperate, needy creature.

There, I said it.  Whew, what a relief getting that off my chest.

I am starving for love.  I get lonely in this home all alone when everything I love is many miles away.

As many of you are aware, I am undergoing chemotherapy for Stage IV colon cancer.  One of the wonderful (italicized to indicate sarcasm) gifts that come with chemotherapy is Chemo Brain, the semi-uncontrollable emotions and occasional short term memory issues the poisons bring.

I am usually an emotional wreck for several days post treatment.  Now that I am back to work again after 3 months off, I do my best to NOT think about things which could potentially trigger an emotional outpouring (usually manifested through crying like a toddler).  In order to assist me in combating this issue, I have started hand-copying the Psalms in a composition notebook to help my mind focus on something which calms and strengthens me.  Granted, I started at Psalm 1 and am writing them out in order as the need arises, but I tend to read Psalms often to help me focus as well.

Today, I was reading Psalm 86; in particular, verses 1-5 (KJV):

"Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.  Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.  Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."

After reading this and thinking about it for a bit and how very applicable it is to my current condition, the inner voice in my head (the one which can actually carry a tune) was singing the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour."

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

I need Thee, O I need Thee;Every hour I need Thee;O bless me now, my Savior,I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

I need Thee, O I need Thee;Every hour I need Thee;O bless me now, my Savior,I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

I need Thee, O I need Thee;Every hour I need Thee;O bless me now, my Savior,I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I need Thee, O I need Thee;Every hour I need Thee;O bless me now, my Savior,I come to Thee. 

Lyrics by Annie Hawks, Music by Robert Lowry

This song sums up my needs.

I need Thee, Lord.  I am powerless to do this on my own.  Only You can strengthen me to face this.  I am a small child crying for my Father to hold me.  I am lost and needing direction, and only You can light my way.