Psalm 32

A David Psalm

1 Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be-you get a fresh start, your slate's wiped clean.

2 Count yourself lucky-God holds nothing against you and you're holding nothing back from him.

3 When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans.

4 The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up.

5 Then I let it all out; I said, "I'll make a clean breast of my failures to God." Suddenly the pressure was gone-my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared.

6 These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray; when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts we'll be on high ground, untouched.

7 God's my island hideaway, keeps danger far from the shore, throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.

8 Let me give you some good advice; I'm looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight:

9 "Don't be ornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track."

10 God-defiers are always in trouble; God-affirmers find themselves loved every time they turn around.

11 Celebrate God. Sing together-everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!

Psalm 33

1 Good people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising.2 Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs! Play his praise on a grand piano!3 Invent your own new song to him; give him a trumpet fanfare.

4 For God's Word is solid to the core; everything he makes is sound inside and out.5 He loves it when everything fits, when his world is in plumb-line true. Earth is drenched in God's affectionate satisfaction.

6 The skies were made by God's command; he breathed the word and the stars popped out.7 He scooped Sea into his jug, put Ocean in his keg.

8 Earth-creatures, bow before God; world-dwellers-down on your knees!9 Here's why: he spoke and there it was, in place the moment he said so.

10 God takes the wind out of Babel pretense, he shoots down the world's power-schemes.11 God's plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last.12 Blessed is the country with God for God; blessed are the people he's put in his will.

13 From high in the skies God looks around, he sees all Adam's brood.14 From where he sits he overlooks all us earth-dwellers.15 He has shaped each person in turn; now he watches everything we do.

16 No king succeeds with a big army alone, no warrior wins by brute strength.17 Horsepower is not the answer; no one gets by on muscle alone.

18 Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love.19 He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together.

20 We're depending on God; he's everything we need.21 What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own his holy name.22 Love us, God, with all you've got-that's what we're depending on.

Psalm 34

A David Psalm, When He Outwitted Abimelech and Got Away

1 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.

2 I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:

3 Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out.

4 God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.

5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him.

6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.

7 God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.

8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.

9 Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.

10 Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God.

11 Come, children, listen closely; I'll give you a lesson in God worship.

12 Who out there has a lust for life? Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?

13 Guard your tongue from profanity, and no more lying through your teeth.

14 Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace-don't let it get away!

15 God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan.

16 God won't put up with rebels; he'll cull them from the pack.

17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.

18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.

19 Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.

20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone; not even a finger gets broken.

21 The wicked commit slow suicide; they waste their lives hating the good.

22 God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.