Rex H. Henderson

Psalm VI

" To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake. For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly." (Psalm 6, KJV)

Psalm VI

In the Agony of Pain

In aching body and agitated mind,
David prays in anguish for his life.
Soon it will be too late. In the
Grave there is no praise or life.

How long, how long, I am withering
Like a fading flower? The words
Of the Prince of sufferers comes
To mind as we hear these words.

God heard the dripping of his tears,
And he felt God’s Holy presence.
Now enemies, lest they be ashamed,
Should return to God in repentance.

From the troubled heart of the singer
God’s presence turned his tears
Into rainbows, sadness into joy,
And his gloomy heart into cheer.

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