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-   -   Psalm 73 interpretation (http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showthread.php?t=339)

Jamie McDaniel 03-15-2006 07:58 PM

Psalm 73 interpretation
 
Revtj's post about a psalm in another thread reminded me of this gem. So I thought I would share it.
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PSALM 73 (interpretation by Derrick Kikuchi)

Surely God is good to gays and lesbians,
To those who are pure in heart.
but as for me, my feet came close to stumbling;
My steps had almost slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogance of those who strike against us.
For they feel no pain and they continue to prosper.
They suffer no ills and are never the target of bigotry.
Therefore they wear a necklace of pride;
And a garment of violence covers them.
The imaginations of their hearts run amok.
They mock and freely oppress.
They speak with self righteousness.
They set their mouths against God's invitation to all
And their tongues parade through the earth.

Therefore, even as we gather together in peace,
And find a place to be spiritually nourished,
I still find myself asking "Does God know? How is this part of God's plan?"
For look ... those who hate us have increased in power and wealth.
Surely I have kept my heart pure in vain,
And restrained my anger for nothing,
For I am beaten every day and scorned every morning.

But even as I say "I should lash out against my oppressors"
I am troubled as I contemplate this.
Until I finally enter the sanctuary of God.
For there, I am able to perceive the truth.

Surely my oppressors are on slippery ground
And they set themselves up for their own destruction.
How quickly they can be brought down.
They are utterly swept away by their own perceived terrors.
Like a dream when one awakes, your truth reduces their power to nothing.
When I was of bitter and pierced heart,
I was unable to feel or think.
I struck out like an animal.
Even then, You were with me.
You have taken my hand and guided me in your wisdom.
Your receive me in Your love.

You define heaven and all that is good on earth.
I may physically weaken and become disheartened,
But God is my constant source of strength.
Behold, those far from God will perish
And those without faith will be destroyed.
For me, I need to concentrate on being close to God,
and making God my refuge.
And tell everybody and everywhere about God's wonderful works!

revtj 03-16-2006 09:29 AM

wow
 
That is awesome. Printing it out for my bulletin board so I will see it often! Thank you, Jaime!

NathanATX 03-16-2006 09:32 AM

Yeah, I sent it to the members of my church's young adult ministry.
nate


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