Psalm 84

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.

Happy are they who embrace Love and Light where others see weakness and despair. As reimagined by the heart of Rev. Justo Gonzalez II

84:1 Thanks to you my dwelling, my place of comfort and rest where I can be who I am and not have to wear the mask that others want me to wear is ever welcoming. How lovely it is to breathe and chill in your presence, O Lord of the Chill, Calm and Relax. 84:2 My inner self strives to be the person who models love, grace, and compassion. Indeed, it seeks such closeness to you and I can inhale your majesty in your Holy place of universal welcome; my heart jumps for joy and I claim my voice. I sing for joy to you the Incarnate Christ and always loving and inviting God. 84:3 Every living being finds a home in your presence. The sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself, the coquis of Puerto Rico sing forth their welcome and shout, “rest here and simply be” as the universal choir of all living things sing, “Lay your young here. This is casa, our home.” At the altar of gratefulness, O LORD of hosts, my love and my God we simply pause and say, “Gracias / Thank you.” 84:4 Smiles of welcome embrace us. We who live, not just survive, in the house love, mercy and transformation that You have provide sing your praise, in this lovely grace filled place. Selah 84:5 Our hearts overflow with appreciation for you have covered us from our own disappear, we are blessed our strength is in you. To the One who has promised to never abandon us, you are driving on the highways to Zion. 84:6 As we go through the valley of tears, and despair, You make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. These are the pools of divine blessings and reenergize us as we continue the journey to You. 84:7 In you we go from despair and giving up to accepting You and your strength. In You is certainty that we are NEVER alone; we will see the God of Gods in Zion.

#Living Psalms 84_Gonzalez for October 26 (002)Download

Living Psalm 84 was written by Justo Gonzalez.

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.