Living Psalm 2

Living Psalms Book

Psalms in the form of words and art, reborn in the specific contexts of our world, privileging the voices of historically marginalized communities and those acting in solidarity with them.

Why? Yes, why do the nations conspire?
Why do the peoples plot in vain?
It’s not all the people though…is it?
The powerful conspire to keep their power
The influential plot for their agenda
The leaders would be king with their orders and decrees
Saying, “I can do what I want”
They plot and they plan and they set themselves apart
They cause havoc and chaos
And produce destruction and despair
The Holy One knows how very small they are
The Sovereign One understands their limitations
They will hear the One Above All speak one day
The Voice of the Holy One will infiltrate the walls they build
And the monuments they make to glorify themselves
On that day they will know their tyranny will fail
Their reckless disregard for God’s beloved will not stand
Their plots and plan will visit destruction upon their own house
And the people they despised will rise up
Lifted in courage and hope upon the holy hill
And to the ends of the earth
The people cry out for justice, for righteousness, for compassion
And the Good God answers
Love is here and will not fail
Hope will break with the day
Joy will resist and swell like rivers during a relentless rain
Take care, leaders who want to rule and serve only themselves
God is not pleased or impressed
You will not reap good from your depravity
Rather than a blessed memory
Your names will be, at best, forgotten
And at worst, a stench clinging to your descendants
But, those who are enveloped by the Most High
Shall receive shelter, rest, and strength
They will be rewarded an inheritance
And leave a legacy that last
Blessed are they who take refuge in God

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Living Psalm 2 was written by Cheryl Lindsay.

Living Psalms Book is created by UCC Witness & Worship Artists’ Group, a Network of UCC connected artists, activists and ministers bridging the worship and liturgy of the local church with witness and action in the community. Maren Tirabassi, editor

Logo is detail from Living Psalm 80 by Sophia Beardemphl, Redwoods, CA. Recovering from significant bullying, Sophia, age nine, read Psalm 80 and thought of brokenness that needs mending. She drew this broken and mended bowl.