Psalm 34 (Rhyming)

[Image by Philip Medhurst]

I will bless the Lord with my mouth always,
Every chance I get I’ll give him my praise.
Gloating in the Lord is what I will do,
When the poor hear me, their joy will ensue.
I want God to get magnification,
Help me elevate his reputation.

After I sought God his answer was clear,
He snatched me away from all of my fear.
When we look to God it lights up our face,
Looking to the Lord removes our disgrace.
God heard my poor soul when cries were expressed,
He delivered me from all my distress.
Jehovah’s angel encamps with me here,
Ready to save me ‘cause I show God fear.

Jehovah is good—taste and you will see,
Take refuge in him and you will find glee!
God’s people view him as astonishing,
Those who respect him don’t need anything.
Even young lions don’t have enough feed,
Yet those who seek God have all that they need.
Children, come listen—gather and come near,
I’ll teach you how to view the Lord with fear.
Do you want a life that is full and long?
Long enough to see good things come along?
Watch what you say and keep evil words out,
Don’t be deceptive with words that you spout.
Avoid evil—good is what you should do,
Look for peace and make peace what you pursue.

The upright people are watched by God’s eyes,
His ears listen for the sound of their cries.
Those who are evil the Lord will contend,
Memories of them will come to an end.
God hears the righteous when the righteous cry,
The Lord rescues them when troubles come by.
He’s close to people when their hearts lament,
He rescues people whose spirits repent.

The righteous will bear many sufferings,
But God rescues him from all of those things.
God guards all his bones, keeping them in tact,
Not a single one will break or be cracked.
Evil gets people eradicated,
Haters of good get incriminated.
The bail for my soul, Jehovah will pay,
I’ll refuge in him; my guilt’s wiped away.