Living Psalm 124

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.

If God had not been with us
—Say it with me …

If God had not been with us
in every generation when it seemed hopeless,
in every moment when we felt abandoned,
in every battle that seemed to be lost,
in every season when evil seemed unstoppable …
If God had not been with us,
we would have given up.

Our hope would have been consumed.
We would not have known a moment of peace.
Joy would not have visited our hearts, minds, and lips.
We would not be here!

Blessed be the Holy Presence
who has not given up on us
or given us over to aimlessness,
to the vast cesspool of despair,
and to the hands of our adversary,
to the shadows of hidden agendas,
and pits of murky water.

Thanks be to God
for we are still here
and we will remain here
pursuing justice and righteousness
abundance and flourishing life!
We will love our neighbors
even before we meet them!

Blessed be the God who
strengthens us for the struggle
comforts us through the pain
fortifies us to face and proclaim truth
and redeems the destructive years and dry seasons
with rebuilding and restoring years in due season

Our help in is in the name of Creator
who made and heaven and earth
is always with us and for us …

And who makes all things new!

Living Psalm 124_Lindsay (1)Download

Living Psalm 124 was written by Rev. Dr. 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.