Modern Psalms
Psalm I.
February 2021. The world was reopening, but my spirit could not hear clearly.
In confession I am refreshed, Lord,
For I know that You will hear
the contrite heart.
Make, therefore, Jesus, my heart contrite,
Rid of pretense and stale,
religious pandering.
I repent of my iniquities, my iniquity
that rises up to me right now.
It is no small thing before You.
Let it choke me, that You—You only
Whom I have sinned against—
May loosen its grip around my neck.
I can breathe! Rightness with You is air for me.
Praise you. I am Yours. You have washed me.
You have heard.
Make me to know not only my days—that I am
dust, a fading flower, withering grass—but
that conscious repentance during my days
brings about the abundant
life You, Jesus, speak of.
Some look for novelty, some celebrity,
popularity or royalty among your people.
But humility will exude through
confessing my iniquity.
Nothing good in me dwells.
I concede to the impression Your
Holiness makes on me—woe to me,
A sinful man.
I concede and confide. Any true
Repentant, any real penitent will.
Do not hide from me,
From the true and real.
I have confided in You. Are we intimate,
my Redeemer, my Forgiver?
Concession that prompts confession must bring
Your presence, your nearness. It is my only way
to You, the Way.
Does it bring You to me? Cleanse me more.
Comb through my soul.