Modern-Day Psalms

In my continuing quest to read through the Bible chronologically, I’ve been happily absorbing the book of Psalms for the past couple of weeks.

David often called the Lord his shepherd, rock, fortress, shield, defender, high tower, and the like. As David was a shepherd, warrior, and king himself, those metaphors make perfect sense. They refer to the love and security he experienced in the Lord’s presence.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. – Psalm 18:2

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David’s poetry caused me to consider what modern-day psalm I would write, using metaphors that would be meaningful to me. As David was a shepherd, warrior, and king, I am a mother, teacher, wife, friend, gardener, writer, crafter, and music lover.

For example, to me, the Lord is a symphony. Every time I hear Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, the beautiful choral symphony containing “Ode to Joy,” I feel that Beethoven very nearly encapsulated the character of God – despite the fact that Beethoven was almost completely deaf when he composed the piece.

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As well, to me the Lord is a lush and lovely garden. He contains every shade of color, every nuance of scent, every element of design – all meant to be enjoyed and cultivated.

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And of course, the Lord is the quintessential writer.

That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? – Proverbs 22:19-21

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. – John 6:63

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What metaphors for God would you use in your own modern-day psalm? I would love to hear your ideas.

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