Through the Bible with Poetry: Psalms
Jon’s thoughts: So many Psalms. So many great images. Like Proverbs it has been hard to settle on any particular idea. In the end however, I pulled out the image of a river and a city. Here I picture Christ as the river and we are the city.
Psalms 46 and 139
There Is A River
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
God is in the midst of her;
A shield about her.
Protection over her.
Covering her with favor.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
In you she takes refuge;
A place of safety for which she longs.
She has set you always before her.
You are at her right hand. Pleasures forevermore.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
Hidden in the shadow of your wings.
You are with her.
She will hide in your shelter.
She is under the cover of your tent; A hiding place.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
Your steadfast love surrounds her.
Your song is with her.
You are in her midst.
The Lord of hosts is with her.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
You stand at the right hand of the needy one.
The Lord is at her right hand.
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.
The right hand of the Lord exalts.
Your right hand delivers her.
Your right hand shall hold her.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
Walk about her.
Go around her,
Hold her right hand.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
The Lord surrounds his people.
You hem her in, behind and before.
You lay your hand upon her.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, you surround her.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
Where shall she flee from your presence?
If she ascends to heaven, you are there.
If she makes her bed in Sheol, you are there.
The Lord is near her.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
Let your good Spirit lead her.
If she takes the wings of the morning,
If she dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Your hand shall lead.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
Jon Bannon
© Jon Bannon 2021